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One behavioral-science idea per edition, and how it quietly shapes the choices you thought were your own.
Why Companies Make Canceling So Hard: Dark Patterns
Why is canceling a subscription so hard? Inside the dark patterns, the SiriusXM case, and the failed click-to-cancel rule, and what your retention rate hides.
Why We Idolize Then Destroy: Indonesia’s Idol Cycle
Why do we idolize public figures, then destroy them overnight? Inside Indonesia’s idol cycle — the splitting psychology that turns heroes into villains fast.
The Default Effect: Why We Don’t Really Choose
Why do organ donor and 401(k) sign-up rates swing from 4% to 99%? The hidden power of default options, and how behavioral economics explains our choices.