Persuasive Tech

I'm enlightened to learn (again via NPR) of the Stanford Persuasive Technology Lab that studies "machines designed to influence human beliefs and behaviors". While there is a potentially dark side (as with most technologies these days), some believe focused efforts to harness various technologies including web sites and mobile phones can lead to positive changes ranging from better hygiene to world peace. In their Fall 2008 class some Stanford students were challenged to create Facebook applications that would draw millions of users, and they apparently succeeded.