Panda RESEARCH
UK Government Use of Behavioural Science Strategies in Covid-Event Messaging
Responsibility and Communication Ethics in Times of ‘Crisis'
This project investigates the UK Government’s use of behavioural science ‘nudges’ in their Covid communications strategy to promote compliance with restrictions and the subsequent vaccine rollout.
Research undertaken by Dr Gary Sidley, retired NHS Consultant Clinical Psychologist, and funded to date by PANDA, the Phase 1 research paper was published on the website of Association for Humanistic Psychology in Britain.
"State-sponsored nudging, devoid of ethical oversight, is now impacting on all aspects of our lives. As things stand, we can expect the same tone and content in government communications the next time our political leaders choose to declare a ‘global crisis’, whether it be in regards to health, climate, pollution or some other assumed world-wide threat."
FURTHER READING
Evidence shows that behavioural science has been infused into the communications of many government departments. Who was responsible for using it to promote compliance with Covid-19 restrictions?
BY DR GARY SIDLEY
20 MARCH 2024
Attempts to initiate an open debate about the moral acceptability of a government deploying behavioural science methods to lever obedience with current edicts have, to date, been unsuccessful. This report based on an ongoing project, looks at these ethical concerns.
BY DR GARY SIDLEY
4 APRIL 2024