Behavioral Science Ledger

Modern Day Skinner Box

This post briefly explores how the principles of B.F. Skinner’s operant conditioning experiments are now reflected in our modern digital lives. Instead of pressing levers for food pellets, originally conducted on rats in controlled environments, humans engage with handheld devices by tapping, swiping, and clicking to receive social and emotional reinforcement like likes, notifications, and curated content. The same behavioral mechanisms used to shape lab behavior are now embedded in our technology, conditioning us to seek rewards and remain engaged. The key difference? We’ve willingly entered the box.