Fostering pro-social behaviour online : 'nudges' in the right direction

• Main Author: Nadica, Pavlovska
• Other Authors: S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies
• Format: Working Paper
• Language: English
• Published: 2014
• Subjects: DRNTU::Social sciences::Sociology::Social and public welfare
• Online Access: https://hdl.handle.net/10356/103279; http://hdl.handle.net/10220/19997
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

The internet penetration and the consequent creation of hyper-connected reality has exposed the Singaporean population to much more diversity of thoughts and influences. In this environment, efforts to maintain social cohesion and multicultural tolerance among the population is now even more challenging. In light of this, this paper attempts to explore the means available to maintain pro-social behaviour and build a culture of respect online. By assessing the current measures undertaken in Singapore, this paper argues that the majority of the strategies are “mind changing” such as education and awareness raising campaigns. However, by taking into account the specificity of the internet interaction, it is suggested that these strategies could be further enhanced by adopting a “context changing” approach in the online interaction by using specific behaviour influencers such as social norms, priming and messenger approach.