The Fun Theory

What’s the easiest way to get someone to do something? Make it fun. I remember when I was a kid, my mom convinced me that doing the laundry was fun. You get to sort stuff! You got to play with nobs on the washing machine! The machine buzzes and makes lots of noise! Sweet.

It wasn’t until many embarrassing years later when I realized that I had been Tom Sawyer’d into doing chores for fun. Damn.

A new movement has popped up in Sweden called “The Fun Theory” is based on the same thought. The easiest way to get people to change their behavior is to make it fun. So, you want to encourage people to take the stairs instead of the escalator. You know, because it’s healthy and stuff. How do you do it? Make it fun:

You want want people to toss their trash in a bin? Make it fun:

Hopefully, once people figure out what’s going on, they’ll forgive Volkswagen quicker than I forgave my mom. Plus, we should all really take the stairs.

- Christian