Mental models/Intrinsic vs Extrinsic Motivation
Motivation & Engagement

Intrinsic vs Extrinsic Motivation

The distinction between motivation that comes from internal sources (interest, enjoyment, meaning) versus external sources (rewards, deadlines, social pressure).

In plain language

Internal motivation (curiosity, mastery, meaning) is more durable than external motivation (points, badges, rewards). Over-rewarding intrinsically motivated behaviour can destroy it.

In the wild

Implementations of this model aren’t wired to this view yet — they live in the implementations table.

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