Title : Behavior and addiction: A behavioral economics perspective
Abstract:
Addiction, a complex and multifaceted condition, has long been understood from psychological and medical perspectives. However, insights from behavioral and experimental economics offer a new lens through which to examine the economic forces at play in addictive behaviors. This keynote presentation will explore how principles from these fields illuminate the underlying mechanisms driving addiction, the choices individuals make, and the long-term consequences that often follow.
By examining addiction through the lens of behavioral economics, we will explore concepts such as hyperbolic discounting, cognitive biases, and impulsivity, which help explain why individuals often make decisions that prioritize immediate rewards over long- term well-being. Drawing on key experiments and case studies, the talk will highlight how these economic theories provide a more nuanced understanding of addictive behavior, moving beyond the idea of addiction as a purely rational or individual choice.
The presentation will also examine the economic consequences of addiction, including the direct and societal costs, and discuss policy interventions informed by behavioral insights. Specifically, we will explore how "nudging" strategies and economic incentives can be used to reduce addictive behaviors and improve public health outcomes. By integrating findings from experimental economics, we will demonstrate how targeted interventions can be more effective in both preventing and treating addiction.
Ultimately, this keynote will offer a deeper understanding of addiction as not only a personal issue but a societal challenge shaped by economic forces, providing insights for policy makers, healthcare professionals, and researchers aiming to reduce the devastating impacts of addiction.
