Gamification, while in certain context is good, it should not be used to do harm.
The The Behavioural Insights Team conducted research on the impact of gamification tactics in online stock trading platforms.
The research, in collaboration with the Ontario Securities Commission, found that these tactics can have a strong impact on retail investors, encouraging them to increase their trading frequency and make riskier trades than is in their best interest.
They found, for example, in an experiment that giving investors nominal "points" for buying or selling stocks increased trading frequency by almost 40%.
Securities regulators should use behavioral science research to combat these tactics and protect consumers, and that they should continue to build an evidence base to take informed action in this evolving landscape.
We should always strive to use behavior to do good.
*Link to the article in the comments.
#behavioralscience #behavioraldesign #gamification #productdesign #servicedesign