当大数据促成行为操纵时
When Big Data Enables Behavioral Manipulation
AER: Insights · 2025 · [{"name": "Daron Acemoğlu", "affiliation": ["Massachusetts Institute of Technology"]}, {"name": "Ali Makhdoumi", "affiliation": ["Duke University"]}, {"name": "Azarakhsh Malekian", "affiliation": ["University of Toronto"]}, {"name": "Asuman Ozdaglar", "affiliation": ["Massachusetts Institute of Technology"]}]
中文摘要
我们构建了一个由人工智能进步驱动的在线行为操纵模型。平台动态地向一名缓慢了解产品质量的用户提供 n 种产品中的一种。用户学习取决于产品的“光泽度”，该属性刻画了使产品看起来比实际更具吸引力的特征。人工智能工具使平台能够学习光泽度并据此从事行为操纵。我们证实，当光泽度短暂时，人工智能使消费者受益；相反，当光泽度持久时，行为操纵会降低用户福利。最后，随着产品数量的增加，平台可以通过展示更多低质量、高光泽度的产品来加剧行为操纵。（JEL C55, D83, D91, L86）
Abstract
We build a model of online behavioral manipulation driven by AI advances. A platform dynamically offers one of n products to a user who slowly learns product quality. User learning depends on a product’s “glossiness,” which captures attributes that make products appear more attractive than they are. AI tools enable platforms to learn glossiness and engage in behavioral manipulation. We establish that AI benefits consumers when glossiness is short-lived. In contrast, when glossiness is long-lived, behavioral manipulation reduces user welfare. Finally, as the number of products increases, the platform can intensify behavioral manipulation by presenting more low-quality, glossy products. (JEL C55, D83, D91, L86)