arXiv:2604.18373v1 Announce Type: cross
Abstract: We study how AI agents form expectations and trade in experimental asset markets. Using a simulated open-call auction populated by autonomous Large Language Model (LLM) agents, we document three main findings. First, AI agents exhibit classic behavioral patterns: a pronounced disposition effect and recency-weighted extrapolative beliefs. Second, these individual-level patterns aggregate into equilibrium dynamics that replicate classic experimental findings (Smith et al., 1988), including the predictive power of excess demand for future prices and the positive relationship between disagreement and trading volume. Third, by analyzing the agents’ reasoning text through a twenty-mechanism scoring framework, we show that targeted prompt interventions causally amplify or suppress specific behavioral mechanisms, significantly altering the magnitude of market bubbles.
Behavior change beyond intervention: an activity-theoretical perspective on human-centered design of personal health technology
IntroductionModern personal technologies, such as smartphone apps with artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities, have a significant potential for helping people make necessary changes in their behavior