Cass Sunstein xChange on Manipulation

In our December xChange Paul Skinner, founder of MarketingKind, interviewed Cass Sunstein, Nudge theory pioneer, to explore his latest thinking on behavioural economics and his latest book, Manipulation: What It Is, Why It's Bad and What to Do About It.

Cass told us stories about what makes great ideas gain traction, his friendship with Barack Obama and what it's like navigating life from the perspective of a nudge expert.

The discussion covered influence vs manipulation, AI choice engines, the 'joy of missing out' ('the Barbie problem') and our right not to be manipulated. Cass also mentioned his involvement in developing a new app that will hopefully be available in the coming months for tracking the dark patterns of online manipulation that are impacting us all.

Cass is currently the Robert Walmsley Professor at Harvard. He has previously held senior roles at The World Health Organisation, The Pentagon and The Department of Homeland Security under the Biden administration where he was awarded the Distinguished Public Service Medal, the Department’s highest civilian honour, in 2024.

He has advised the United Nations, the European Commission, the World Bank, and many nations including the British Government.

His work in behavioural economics has had a profound impact on the marketing and advertising industries.

And if you have not yet read them I particularly recommend: Nudge: The Final Edition, with Richard Thaler; How Change Happens; Noise, with Daniel Kahneman and Olivier Sibony; and of course, Manipulation.

Listen to the podcast version here or watch the full replay below.