Owen Rust - Economics Online

Today's digital era can result in subscription fatigue as consumers try to mentally budget their many digital subscriptions.

The Subscription Fatigue Paradox: When Too Many “Small” Payments Hurt Growth

Published on September 17, 2025

Polluting firms can purchase carbon offsets (also known as carbon credits) to reduce their environmental impact. Does it work?

Carbon Offsets and the Market for Guilt Reduction

Published on September 17, 2025

When you listen to your favorite artist through a subscription service, does he or she get paid fairly for the work they produced?

The Streaming Royalty Puzzle: Who Gets Paid and Why

Published on September 15, 2025

How much would you be willing to pay to ensure that your identity was protected online?

The Rise of Pay-to-Verify: Monetizing Digital Identity

Published on September 15, 2025

In the near future, art generated by AI may be indistinguishable from that created by a human artist. What then?

The Economics of Generative AI in Creative Industries

Published on September 15, 2025

Many consumers encounter dark patterns in website development that influence them to spend more than they planned.

Dark Patterns and Consumer Choice Architecture

Published on September 05, 2025

Many consumers today purchase bundles of streaming services rather than individual services.

The Economics of Subscription Bundling Wars

Published on September 03, 2025

Could sophisticated AI software quickly determine the maximum you would pay for any item, and charge you accordingly?

Surge Pricing in the Age of AI: Fairness or Exploitation?

Published on August 29, 2025

A sign signaling the pick-up location for ride share drivers, who are a major component of the gig economy.

The Gig Worker’s Dilemma: Flexibility vs. Stability

Published on August 26, 2025

Online gamers can spend significant sums of money through in-game purchases, raising questions about behavioral nudges and gaming.

The Free-to-Play Game Economy: Selling Pixels for Billions

Published on August 26, 2025