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Articles on Behavioral economics

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A volunteer distributes face masks in a rural California community in February 2021. Mel Melcon/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images

Having COVID-19 or being close to others who get it may make you more charitable

Experiments in the US and Italy that observed people’s charitable choices found similar results: People tend to prefer to help local communities.
The maker of Bud Light says it will give all Americans over 21 a free beer if the U.S. reaches Biden’s 70% vaccination goal. Andrew Burton/Getty Images

Free beer, doughnuts and a $1 million lottery – how vaccine incentives and other behavioral tools are helping the US reach herd immunity

Governments and companies are using incentives in hopes of getting more Americans to get a COVID-19 shot. A behavioral economist explains how they work.
Even young children are very aware of whether they’re getting their fair share. Jupiterimages/PHOTOS.com via Getty Images Plus

Selfish or selfless? Human nature means you’re both

Cognitive neuroscientists use brain imaging and behavioral economic games to investigate people’s sense of fairness. They find it’s common to take care of yourself before looking out for others.
Masks are a crucial tool for stopping the pandemic – but don’t let them give you a false sense of security. Patricia J. Garcinuno/Getty Images Entertainment via Getty Images Europe

Mandatory face masks might lull people into taking more coronavirus risks

Policies meant to improve public health – like mandatory face masks during the coronavirus pandemic – need to take into account how people might adjust other behaviors in response.
Protective measures and their safety assurances can change how people act around risk. Alfredo Falcone/LaPresse via AP

When safety measures lead to riskier behavior by more people

Behavioral economists explain how widespread use of face masks, hand sanitizer and other preventive measures could counterintuitively encourage riskier behaviors around coronavirus.
The rewards for doing this usually aren’t monetary. Glenn Koenig/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images

Paying all blood donors might not be worth it

Because most people want to be perceived as generous, sometimes monetary incentives for doing a good deed are counterproductive.

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