Why You're Still Using Social Media (Even If You Want to Stop) with Dr. Cass Sunstein

The 2026 World Happiness Report, co‑authored by Harvard’s Cass Sunstein, introduces the term “product trap” to explain why millions stay glued to platforms they secretly dislike. A product trap occurs when a good’s value depends on others’ participation, creating a social cost for non‑use. Social media, AI‑assisted cheat tools, and even holiday customs fit this pattern, forcing consumers to adopt behaviors that lower their overall utility—what economists call well‑being. Sunstein’s insight bridges behavioral science and public policy, showing that technology’s ecological impact reshapes choices far beyond simple convenience.

The trap’s power stems from loss aversion and fear‑of‑missing‑out. When a platform’s network grows, not joining feels like a loss, triggering anxiety and a perceived decline in social standing. Sunstein cites examples from college students who use AI essay generators simply because peers do, and holiday traditions like “Elf on the Shelf” that compel participation to avoid embarrassment. These negative non‑user externalities lower personal happiness while inflating the product’s perceived utility. Measuring willingness‑to‑pay—say $15 for a book versus $50 for a blender—reveals how much extra value users assign solely to staying connected.

For businesses, product traps are a lucrative acquisition strategy. By making usage visible—likes, scores, shared stats—companies amplify the social cost of opting out, turning network effects into a lock‑in mechanism. Sunstein warns that such designs can harm consumer welfare, prompting regulators to scrutinize willingness‑to‑pay data and non‑user externalities. Leaders can mitigate harm by offering transparent opt‑out pathways, reducing FOMO cues, and designing products whose utility does not depend on forced conformity. Understanding the product trap framework equips executives and policymakers to balance growth ambitions with ethical responsibility, ultimately fostering healthier digital ecosystems.