Extrinsic incentives bias is the tendency to attribute others' actions to external rewards like money, recognition, or material gains while seeing oneself as motivated by internal factors such as passion or values. In online communities, this bias can influence interactions, leading to judgments about contributors' intentions. For instance, a user might assume a moderator’s actions are motivated by status rather than genuine interest in fostering the community.
To address this bias, community managers can promote transparency by openly discussing motivations and goals. Highlighting the intrinsic value of participation, such as learning, collaboration, or social connections, can also help shift perspectives toward a more balanced understanding of members' actions.
In a forum about creative projects, a user may criticize another for sharing their work, assuming they’re seeking fame or sales rather than genuine feedback. Moderators can encourage positive interactions by highlighting the collaborative spirit and intrinsic benefits of community engagement.