Nudging Into the Future of Immersive Reality: A Systematic Review of Sustainability‐Orientated Nudges in Policy and the Future Role of Extended Reality (XR)

Jessica M. Williams, Vivian H. Y. Chu, Wai Fung Lam, Winnie W. Y. Law and Sik Tung Ho

Sustainable Development, 2025, vol. 33, issue 6, 9303-9324

Abstract: Sustainability issues are highly complex and constantly evolving, posing significant challenges for effective management. Addressing these challenges requires innovative policies, such as digital innovations like extended reality (XR) and the application of psychological insights through nudges. This paper examines the intersection of social and behavioral sciences, focusing on how immersive technologies can be used to design and implement nudges for sustainable behavior. We conduct a review and meta‐analysis of nudge effectiveness to better understand sustainability behavior, categorizing nudges as cognitive, affective, or behavior‐oriented. Cognitive nudges are the most studied (n: 99) but have mixed results (54% positive), while behavioral nudges (n: 50) are more effective (70% positive). XR studies testing cognitive (n: 3) and behavioral (n: 4) nudges generally show positive outcomes, but research on affective nudges is limited (overall n: 15, XR n: 0), likely due to difficulties in testing emotional interventions. XR can enhance cognitive nudges by reducing information processing barriers and expand behavioral nudges by offering convenience not possible in the physical world. Immersive technologies also present new opportunities to test affective nudges by creating virtual scenarios that evoke empathy and social connections. We conclude by emphasizing the need to prioritize ethical considerations in using immersive technologies.

Date: 2025
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