# Nudge for Deliberativeness: How Interface Features Influence Online Discourse

arXiv: https://arxiv.org/abs/2001.04612 · HTML: https://mlsanity.com/paper/2001.04612/

## Key facts

- Cited by 2 papers in the map (data through 14 Oct 2026).
- First posted on arXiv 14 Jan 2020.

## Built on by (most cited first, 2 of 2)

- [Iffy-Or-Not: Extending the Web to Support the Critical Evaluation of Fallacious Texts](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2503.14412/) (2025)
- [Feed-O-Meter: Investigating AI-Generated Mentee Personas as Interactive Agents for Scaffolding Design Feedback Practice](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2509.07424/) (2025)

## Abstract (arXiv)

Cognitive load is a significant challenge to users for being deliberative. Interface design has been used to mitigate this cognitive state. This paper surveys literature on the anchoring effect, partitioning effect and point-of-choice effect, based on which we propose three interface nudges, namely, the word-count anchor, partitioning text fields, and reply choice prompt. We then conducted a 2*2*2 factorial experiment with 80 participants (10 for each condition), testing how these nudges affect deliberativeness. The results showed a significant positive impact of the word-count anchor. There was also a significant positive impact of the partitioning text fields on the word count of response. The reply choice prompt showed a surprisingly negative affect on the quantity of response, hinting at the possibility that the reply choice prompt induces a fear of evaluation, which could in turn dampen the willingness to reply.