From Wikipedia, Persuasive technologies are broadly defined as technologies designed to change attitudes or behaviors of the users through persuasion and social influence, but not necessarily through coercion.
‘Good’ examples of this strategy exist in the health profession, among others, to aid individuals in keep in keeping with a regimen that would be beneficial to their wellbeing. ‘Bad’ examples also proliferate, such as how persistent fake news on prevailing media channels can gradually shift collective opinions in asocial directions.
The reason this option is offered here is that Gartner (2021) has identified the “Internet of Behaviours” as a top ten technology (below), so it is important to examine critically.
Opportunity Statement:
Cultural, social and individual persuasion have been essential to humanity forever, including within education, so the potentials and pitfalls of digital persuasion are deeply relevant to the modern educator.
Sources:
Gartner Top Ten Technologies 2021: Internet of Behaviours
Persuasive technologies are a powerful force in shaping learner behavior, motivation, and engagement—sometimes subtly, but with enormous impact. In any field, learner follow-through and retention can be a challenge, I see immense value in using persuasive design elements (such as nudges, progress tracking, social proof, and adaptive feedback) to keep learners motivated over time. These technologies can help drive long-term learning habits when applied thoughtfully. I’m especially interested in championing their use in lifelong learning platforms and professional development settings, where learners often juggle competing priorities and need supportive scaffolds to stay engaged (such as an online, self paced masters degree!).