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The Incentives Lab
HBT-INC-0031 · Dimension INC · Incentives

Algorithmic Aversion

Discounting algorithmic advice even when superior.

Adoption·AI-Behavioral Coupling·Grade C·draft· enriching…

Scientific Definition

Discounting algorithmic advice even when superior.

Plain-English Definition

Discounting algorithmic advice even when superior.

Feynman Explanation

We forgive humans for errors and punish algorithms for the same ones.

Core Principle

Discounting algorithmic advice even when superior.

Mechanisms

Psychological

Pending editorial review.

Behavioral Economic

Pending editorial review.

Neurological

Pending editorial review.

Evolutionary

Pending editorial review.

Sociological

Pending editorial review.

Computational

Pending editorial review.

Systems

Pending editorial review.

Inputs (Triggers)

Pending editorial review.

Outputs (Behaviors)

Pending editorial review.

Behavioral Signature

We forgive humans for errors and punish algorithms for the same ones.

Examples

Everyday
  • Even when algorithms outperform, users prefer humans.
Modern (Organizational)
  • Adoption failure of high-quality AI.
Historical

Pending editorial review.

Famous Experiments

Pending editorial review.

Design Principles

  • Display calibration data. Allow user adjustment. Build trust gradually.

Measurement Approaches

Pending editorial review.

Evidence

Evidence Grade
C (A strongest → E speculative)
Replication
★★☆☆☆
Intervention Confidence
3 / 5
Consensus
Pending editorial review (HBT v1.0 auto-seed).
Limitations
Pending editorial review (HBT v1.0 auto-seed).
Open Research Questions

Pending editorial review.

Primary References

Pending editorial review.

Signature Section

The Perverse Incentive Lens™

How this behavior is exploited — and how to redesign around it.

Exploitation
Adoption failure of high-quality AI.
Amplifying Incentives
Adoption failure of high-quality AI.
Org Failure Modes
Adoption failure of high-quality AI.
Societal Failure Modes
Pending editorial review (HBT v1.0 auto-seed).
Ethical Considerations
Pending editorial review (HBT v1.0 auto-seed).
Redesign Strategies
Display calibration data. Allow user adjustment. Build trust gradually.
Diagnostic Questions
  • Display calibration data. Allow user adjustment. Build trust gradually.
Warning Signs

Pending editorial review.

Red Flags

Pending editorial review.

Intervention Playbook
Individual
Display calibration data. Allow user adjustment. Build trust gradually.
Team
Pending editorial review (HBT v1.0 auto-seed).
Organization
Pending editorial review (HBT v1.0 auto-seed).
Policy
Pending editorial review (HBT v1.0 auto-seed).
AI Implications
Detection
Pending editorial review (HBT v1.0 auto-seed).
Measurement
Pending editorial review (HBT v1.0 auto-seed).
Mitigation
Pending editorial review (HBT v1.0 auto-seed).
Responsible Use
Pending editorial review (HBT v1.0 auto-seed).

Interactive Mini Network

Click any neighbor to re-center the graph and follow the threads of connection.

HBT-INC-0031 · INC
Algorithmic Aversion
AAACAdoption Curve (AI)CACargo-Cult AdoptionJRJob RedesignPPPilot PurgatoryRMResistance MappingSASandbagging AdoptionSAShadow AISTStatus Threat (AI)AUAcceptable Use Polic…AgAgent

Knowledge Graph Neighbors

Version History

v1.1.0 · 2026-06-28Initial auto-seed from corpus.