More generally, a persuasive system can be seen as an implementation of what has beencalled the extended will (J. Heath & Anderson, 2010). This is a generalization of the idea that weuse various information technologies as external memories, so as to “extend our mind” into theenvironment (Clark & Chalmers, 1998; Heylighen & Vidal, 2008). But mind encompasses morethan memory and information processing capability: it also includes the motivation, concentrationand determination needed to act effectively—i.e. what is conventionally called “will”. In ourpresent environment full of distractions and temptations, our willpower is heavily taxed. Therefore,in general we need external support if we want to make sure that we stick to our intentions (Allen,2001; J. Heath & Anderson, 2010).