Persuasive technology for health

Persuasive health technologies are technologies that are designed to change attitudes or health behaviors of users through persuasion and social influence without using coercion. This entry introduces what persuasive health technology is, how it is used to support behavior change interventions, and what the relative advantages are. Technology-based health interventions have high potential because of the many technological affordances they offer, but problems related to engagement and participation significantly limit their effectiveness. Health communication scholars can contribute to the effectiveness of persuasive health technologies by using theory- and evidence-based approaches in developing and testing them. We describe three different models that can help improve the design and persuasiveness of persuasive health technologies: Fogg's behavioral model (FBM), persuasive system design model (PSD), and behavioral intervention technology model (BIT). We also reflect on the ethical concerns that should be taken into account in the development of persuasive technologies. Future health communication research can play an essential role in understanding how applying persuasive health technology and behavioral intervention technology models can impact the use and effectiveness of persuasive technologies for health.