Persuasive Technology

What is persuasive technology?

Persuasive technology is technology designed to influence attitudes or behavior. Examples can include reminders, feedback systems, or interactive services intended to support a particular action.

In an early Stanford research presentation (1998), B. J. Fogg described computers as persuasive tools, media, and social actors. He also identified ethical questions as part of this field.

The term describes an intended function. It does not establish that a particular app changes behavior, that its effects persist, or that its aims benefit the user. Those questions require separate evaluation of the actual system.

Persuasive technology example

An app might invite someone to choose a walking goal and send a reminder at their selected time. The reminder is designed to support an action, so it is an example of persuasive technology. Whether it changes walking behavior still needs to be tested.