Persuasive Technologies (broadcast Friday, March 7th, 2008)

The strategy of providing opportunities that disappear is called "alarm clocking." Find out why it's a persuasive technology. (Credits: Courtesy of Fred Leach) See More Videos

Can a computer help you quit smoking, watch less TV, or improve your eating habits?

Researchers are studying how we interact with the devices around us -- and how, at times, they interact with us. Such a device could be as simple as a pillbox that reminds and encourages a patient to take a needed medication, or as complicated as the design of a Facebook computer application that encourages you to return to the site, interact with it, and tempt your friends and associates to do the same. In this segment, we'll talk about the field of 'persuasive technology,' and the design of devices, computer programs, and spaces. Teachers, find more information about using Science Friday as a classroom resource in the Kids' Connection.