The Importance of Ethics in Behavior Change

Behavioral scientists have an obligation to use our tools ethically in a way that is respectful of people. I think one of the reasons why that snake oil approach is so common is because it's appealing to businesses. It's easier for somebody who does behavior science to sell their services if they can promise quick results. The challenge and I do face this a lot in my work is you have to help people understand that yes it's going to take a longer time to do behavior change If you're doing it in a ways that takes their goals into account, those are sustainable repeatable behavior patterns.