Research Article

Artificial Intelligence and Behavioral Engineering: Hidden Societal Costs and Design Challenges in Consumer Contexts

Volume: 13 Number: 4 December 31, 2025
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Artificial Intelligence and Behavioral Engineering: Hidden Societal Costs and Design Challenges in Consumer Contexts

Abstract

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer just optimizing consumer experiences—it is actively engineering behavioral environments through algorithmic design. This qualitative exploratory analysis examines the hidden societal costs and design challenges of AI-driven consumer systems by synthesizing insights from psychology, digital ethics, behavioral economics, and human–AI interaction. The study identifies ten interrelated domains—such as hyper-personalization, emotional AI, dark nudging, neuromarketing, and synthetic influencers—that reveal how AI systems reshape consumer autonomy, trust, and decision-making. A novel conceptual framework and Theme–Implication Matrix are developed to link AI’s behavioral mechanisms with design-level ethical risks and governance needs. Findings emphasize the need for transparent, human-centered AI architectures that balance personalization with cognitive integrity. The study contributes to socio-technical system design by framing AI as a behavioral engineering force with profound implications for consumer agency, digital equity, and sustainable innovation.

Keywords

References

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Software Engineering (Other)

Journal Section

Research Article

Publication Date

December 31, 2025

Submission Date

June 3, 2025

Acceptance Date

December 28, 2025

Published in Issue

Year 2025 Volume: 13 Number: 4

APA
Durmuş Şenyapar, H. N. (2025). Artificial Intelligence and Behavioral Engineering: Hidden Societal Costs and Design Challenges in Consumer Contexts. Balkan Journal of Electrical and Computer Engineering, 13(4), 445-460. https://doi.org/10.17694/bajece.1712706
AMA
1.Durmuş Şenyapar HN. Artificial Intelligence and Behavioral Engineering: Hidden Societal Costs and Design Challenges in Consumer Contexts. Balkan Journal of Electrical and Computer Engineering. 2025;13(4):445-460. doi:10.17694/bajece.1712706
Chicago
Durmuş Şenyapar, Hafize Nurgül. 2025. “Artificial Intelligence and Behavioral Engineering: Hidden Societal Costs and Design Challenges in Consumer Contexts”. Balkan Journal of Electrical and Computer Engineering 13 (4): 445-60. https://doi.org/10.17694/bajece.1712706.
EndNote
Durmuş Şenyapar HN (December 1, 2025) Artificial Intelligence and Behavioral Engineering: Hidden Societal Costs and Design Challenges in Consumer Contexts. Balkan Journal of Electrical and Computer Engineering 13 4 445–460.
IEEE
[1]H. N. Durmuş Şenyapar, “Artificial Intelligence and Behavioral Engineering: Hidden Societal Costs and Design Challenges in Consumer Contexts”, Balkan Journal of Electrical and Computer Engineering, vol. 13, no. 4, pp. 445–460, Dec. 2025, doi: 10.17694/bajece.1712706.
ISNAD
Durmuş Şenyapar, Hafize Nurgül. “Artificial Intelligence and Behavioral Engineering: Hidden Societal Costs and Design Challenges in Consumer Contexts”. Balkan Journal of Electrical and Computer Engineering 13/4 (December 1, 2025): 445-460. https://doi.org/10.17694/bajece.1712706.
JAMA
1.Durmuş Şenyapar HN. Artificial Intelligence and Behavioral Engineering: Hidden Societal Costs and Design Challenges in Consumer Contexts. Balkan Journal of Electrical and Computer Engineering. 2025;13:445–460.
MLA
Durmuş Şenyapar, Hafize Nurgül. “Artificial Intelligence and Behavioral Engineering: Hidden Societal Costs and Design Challenges in Consumer Contexts”. Balkan Journal of Electrical and Computer Engineering, vol. 13, no. 4, Dec. 2025, pp. 445-60, doi:10.17694/bajece.1712706.
Vancouver
1.Hafize Nurgül Durmuş Şenyapar. Artificial Intelligence and Behavioral Engineering: Hidden Societal Costs and Design Challenges in Consumer Contexts. Balkan Journal of Electrical and Computer Engineering. 2025 Dec. 1;13(4):445-60. doi:10.17694/bajece.1712706

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