Captology is the study of computers as persuasive technologies. This includes the design, research, ethics and analysis of interactive computing products (computers, mobile phones, websites, wireless technologies, mobile applications, video games, etc.) created for the purpose of changing people’s attitudes or behaviors. BJ Fogg derived the term captology in 1996 from an acronym: Computers As Persuasive Technologies = CAPT.
Where Persuasion and Computers Intersect
The field of captology and persuasive technology is growing quickly. Every day more computing products, including websites and mobile apps, are designed to change what people think and do.
As we see it today, captology isn’t just persuasive web sites or video games to change behaviors. Captology is a way of thinking clearly about target behaviors and how to achieve those goals using technology. Captology is a method with related tools for solving problems. Our frameworks and theories are all about helping people understand and measure what matters.
Captology Resources
People often ask how they can learn more about captology. Here are some things we suggest.
- Review the Resources available on this website.
- Sign up for our free email newsletter.
- Join our Facebook Page and learn about other ways to engage.
- Check out BJ Fogg’s personal website.
We’ve also created some books related to captology: