Sanaz Kakavand

Research

My dissertation investigates how different monetization models shape user behavior and welfare across digital platforms. The work combines analytical economic modelling with empirical analysis to uncover unintended consequences in platform and regulatory design.

Dissertation Projects

1 · Blockchain & Move-to-Earn Gaming

This paper analyzes tokenized incentive systems in blockchain-based gaming platforms, using STEPN — a move-to-earn app that rewards physical activity with cryptocurrency — as a primary case study. I examine how token economics influence user motivation, participation dynamics, and long-run platform sustainability. The analysis explores when financial incentives enhance versus crowd out intrinsic motivation.

Keywords: blockchain, token economics, gamification, digital platforms, behavioral economics

2 · Consent-or-Pay Monetization and User Welfare

This paper studies the welfare implications of consent-based monetization strategies under GDPR and similar privacy regulations. I focus on “Consent-or-Pay” systems — where users choose between sharing personal data or paying a subscription fee — and analyze how these mechanisms affect user welfare, firm profitability, and allocative efficiency across different market structures.

Keywords: privacy economics, GDPR, Consent-or-Pay, data monetization, welfare analysis

3 · Privacy Regulation and Platform Behavior

The third essay (in development) extends the regulatory analysis to examine how broad-based data privacy frameworks shape platform behavior, investment incentives, and competitive dynamics in digital markets.

Keywords: data privacy, platform regulation, digital markets

Working Papers

All papers are works in progress. Please contact me for current drafts.

Research Themes

  • Digital Platform Economics — monetization models, two-sided markets, network effects
  • Privacy & Regulation — GDPR, consent mechanisms, data governance
  • Behavioral Economics — motivation crowding, incentive design, user decision-making
  • Blockchain & Token Systems — decentralized platforms, tokenized incentives, Web3