# B. J. Fogg

> author (b. 1963)

**Wikidata**: [Q4834030](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q4834030)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/B._J._Fogg)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/b-j-fogg

## Summary
B. J. Fogg is an American computer scientist and university teacher who specializes in captology, the study of computer-mediated persuasion. As a professor at Stanford University, he is known for founding this field and developing the Fogg Behavior Model, which explains how technology can effectively change human behavior.

## Biography
- Born: August 7, 1963, in Dallas
- Nationality: United States
- Education: Doctorate from Stanford University (advisor: Clifford Nass)
- Known for: Founding the field of captology (computer-mediated persuasion)
- Employer(s): Stanford University
- Field(s): Captology, computer science, behavior design

## Contributions
B. J. Fogg founded captology, the study of how computers can be designed to change people's attitudes and behaviors. In 2003, he published "Persuasive Technology: Using Computers to Change What We Think and Do," which established this new academic field. Fogg developed the Fogg Behavior Model, which identifies three essential components for behavior change: motivation, ability, and a prompt. This model has influenced thousands of designers and developers creating products that intentionally change user behavior. He also founded the Stanford Behavior Design Lab, where research teams apply his principles to create behavior change technologies in health, safety, and sustainability. His work has led to numerous practical applications in digital products aimed at improving human habits.

## FAQs
### Q: What is captology?
A: Captology is the study of computers as persuasive technologies, a field founded by B. J. Fogg. It examines how computers can be designed to change people's attitudes and behaviors through intentional technology design.

### Q: What is the Fogg Behavior Model?
A: The Fogg Behavior Model is a framework that identifies three key elements necessary for behavior change: motivation, ability, and a trigger. According to this model, for a behavior to occur, a person must have sufficient motivation, ability to perform the behavior, and a prompt at the right moment.

### Q: Where does B. J. Fogg work?
A: B. J. Fogg works at Stanford University, where he founded the Stanford Behavior Design Lab and teaches courses on behavior design and persuasive technology.

## Why They Matter
B. J. Fogg's work has fundamentally changed how we understand and design technology's influence on human behavior. By establishing captology as a legitimate field of study, he created a framework for evaluating and creating technology with intentional behavioral outcomes. His Fogg Behavior Model has become a standard reference in UX design, product development, and behavioral science, influencing thousands of professionals to think more critically about how technology shapes habits. Without his contributions, the development of behavior-focused technologies would lack the theoretical foundation that now guides ethical design practices across industries from health to education to environmental sustainability.

## Notable For
- Founded the academic field of captology (computer-mediated persuasion)
- Developed the Fogg Behavior Model, a fundamental framework in behavior design
- Published "Persuasive Technology: Using Computers to Change What We Think and Do" (2003)
- Founded the Stanford Behavior Design Lab at Stanford University
- Authored "Tiny Habits: The Small Changes That Change Everything" (2019)

## Body
### Early Life and Education
B. J. Fogg, born Brian Jeffrey Fogg on August 7, 1963, in Dallas, Texas, is an American computer scientist and university teacher. He completed his education at Stanford University, where he earned his doctorate with Clifford Nass as his doctoral advisor.

### Academic Career
Fogg is currently employed at Stanford University, where he founded the Stanford Behavior Design Lab. He has served as a professor and researcher, contributing to the field of computer science through his work in captology.

### Research Contributions
Fogg's primary contribution to the field is his founding of captology, the study of computers as persuasive technologies. His research focuses on how computers can be designed to change people's attitudes and behaviors. He developed the Fogg Behavior Model, which identifies three essential components for behavior change: motivation, ability, and prompts.

### Publications
Fogg authored "Persuasive Technology: Using Computers to Change What We Think and Do" (2003), which established captology as an academic field. He later published "Tiny Habits: The Small Changes That Change Everything" (2019), which outlines his behavior design methodology for creating lasting habit changes.

### Recognition and Influence
Fogg's work has influenced thousands of designers, developers, and researchers in the fields of UX design, product development, and behavioral science. His Fogg Behavior Model has become a standard reference in these fields, guiding the development of technologies aimed at improving human habits and behaviors.

## References

1. Mathematics Genealogy Project
2. [Source](https://mormonarts.lib.byu.edu/people/brian-j-fogg/)
3. Virtual International Authority File
4. [Source](http://catalogo.pusc.it/cgi-bin/koha/opac-authoritiesdetail.pl?authid=28304)
5. CiNii Research
6. Library of Congress
7. CONOR.SI
8. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File
9. [Source](https://www.podchaser.com/creators/dr-bj-fogg-107a99qRhC/appearances)