Captology

Captology is the study of computers as persuasive technologies. This new area of inquiry explores the overlapping space between persuasion in general (influence, motivation, behavior change, etc.) and computing technology . This includes the design, research, and analysis of interactive computing products such as (the Web, desktop software, specialized devices, etc.) created for the purpose of changing people's attitudes or behaviors.

The foremost expert on this topic is B.J. Fogg, director of The Stanford University Persuasive Technology Lab.