One marketing experiment discovers that people tend to be more honest and write longer sentences when they are on smartphones compared to desktops. Does your smartphone make you more honest? What are some irrational patterns people have? (1 or 2 Paragraph answer)

Reply to 2 classmates: (3-5 sentence reply)

classmate 1: I had not considered that people are more likely to be honest and write shorter sentences on their smartphones than on their desktops. This conclusion makes sense, however, and I believe I am more honest on my phone than on my desktop as well. The reason people are likely more honest on their phones is because it feels less formal. When I am on my desktop, I tend to write more professionally than I do on my phone. I think that is because I write emails, complete schoolwork, and do work for my job on my laptop instead of my phone. Therefore, I associate my desktop and typing on a keyboard with professionalism. I feel less likely to open up and state my honest opinions on my desktop as a result. I use my phone for texting and using social media apps, so naturally I feel less formal typing on my iPhone. Since I usually speak to friends and family on my phone, and peers and colleagues on my desktop, it makes sense why I would be more willing to be more open and myself on my phone rather than my desktop. The same is likely true for most people, especially in my age group.

When I think about irrational patterns people have regarding marketing research, the idea of absolutism comes to mind. This is a pattern where people think that their beliefs and values are the only right ones. People will disregard other ideas if they do not align with their own, leading to decisions being made with a closed mind. Another irrational pattern is black-and-white thinking. This is also a pattern that leads people to having a closed mind when making purchasing decisions. The idea there this right and wrong makes it difficult to introduce new concepts, products, or services to the population.

Sources

Buhler, Erich R. “Overcoming Irrational Thinking Patterns in Times of Disruption.” LinkedIn, 4 Apr. 1674, www.linkedin.com/pulse/overcoming-irrational-thinking-patterns-times-erich-r-b%C3%BChler/.

classmate 2: I think that this is a very interesting marketing experiment; in this day and age, people are more attached to their cell phones than ever. Having so much daily screen time on a smartphone as well as access to multiple social media apps whenever and wherever we want may instill a sense of security and trust in  users. When we type a response on a smartphone, we're also accustomed to having an indicator present when someone is actively typing a message. This may prompt us to respond quicker and more accurately. When we type an email or a response on a computer, we have more time to mull over a response and craft it as neatly as we like. 

For me, one irrational pattern that comes to mind is emotional decision making. When typing a response on a smartphone, be it a response to an Instagram post or a text, we are able to respond quickly and impulsively. Some responses may be misguided by fear, anger or excitement rather than careful consideration. Because we are able to craft rapid responses, emotions may play a role in a majority of things we post online. 

Source:

https://www.bachremedies.com/en-us/explore/blog/2018/how-do-our-emotions-affect-decision-making/#:~:text=Emotional%20decision%20making%20can%20affect,and%20optimism%20about%20the%20futureLinks to an external site..