Jonah Berger is an American professor, author, and expert in marketing and consumer behavior, born on March 26, 1973, in Washington, D.C. He is currently the James G. Campbell Professor of Marketing at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. Berger earned his Bachelor’s degree in Humanities from Stanford University and went on to receive his Ph.D. in Marketing from the University of Pennsylvania.
Berger is widely recognized for his research on why certain ideas and products become popular, focusing on social influence and the factors that drive word-of-mouth communication. He has published over 50 articles in leading academic journals and has contributed to major publications such as The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and Harvard Business Review.
He is the author of several bestselling books, including Contagious: Why Things Catch On (2013), which explores the principles behind why some products and ideas go viral; Invisible Influence: The Hidden Forces that Shape Behavior (2016), which examines how social influences affect decision-making; The Catalyst: How to Change Anyone’s Mind (2020), which discusses how to effectively influence others; and Magic Words: What to Say to Get Your Way (2023), which focuses on the power of language in persuasion.
Berger frequently speaks at conferences and events, including SXSW and Cannes Lions, and has consulted for major organizations such as Apple, Google, Nike, Amazon, GE, 3M, and the Gates Foundation. His work has been recognized with several awards, including being named one of the Top 5 Most Productive Researchers in Marketing by the American Marketing Association.
Through his research and writings, Jonah Berger has made significant contributions to understanding consumer behavior and marketing strategies, influencing both academic thought and practical applications in business.
