Many features on digital platforms are designed to keep us engaged, making it hard for both adults and children to disconnect.
1. Autoplay
Autoplay automatically plays the next video or episode without any action from the user. This feature eliminates the need for decision-making and makes it harder to stop watching, leading to longer screen time than intended.
2. Infinite scroll
Infinite scroll allows us to continuously scroll through content without reaching the bottom. With no natural stopping point, users can easily get lost in endless feeds, making it difficult to take a break.
3. Notifications and sounds
Notifications about messages, likes, or new posts are meant to draw us back to the screen by appealing to our curiosity. Platforms might also send us notifications about personalized recommendations, further encouraging us to open the app and stay engaged.
4. Tailored content
Recommendation algorithms suggest content based on what the platform knows about us, such as our preferences, location, and past behavior. This endless stream of personalized content is meant to keep us hooked and spend more time on the platform than intended.
5. Reactions to posts
Likes, comments, shares, and emojis act as unpredictable rewards, with the purpose of keeping us coming back to see how our posts are being received. The pleasure of social acceptance and the uncertainty of how many reactions we get keeps the brain engaged, making it hard to resist checking again and again.
6. Streaks
Features like Snapchat streaks encourage users to interact with their friends daily to maintain a streak. The streak count and the associated emoji become a symbol of social connection, creating pressure to keep using the platform regularly. Many young users will feel a need to keep the streaks to enjoy getting a higher score or not to upset the friend they share it with.
7. Rewards and status in games
In-game rewards, such as bonuses, special items, or player ranks, are designed to create a sense of accomplishment. The desire to achieve these rewards or gain status is supposed to make it difficult for us to stop playing. Children especially can find it hard to resist this pull, often getting in the way of other activities.
8. Time limits and subscriptions
Some games offer rewards based on the amount of time spent playing, while others pressure users to log in daily to maintain progress or unlock special content. Subscriptions or limited-time passes also create urgency, encouraging users to spend more time on the platform to get their money’s worth.
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With these features designed to keep us engaged, it’s easy to see why disconnecting from screens can be challenging for both kids and adults. Being aware of these features and developing strategies to avoid their pull can help us take control over screen time and create healthier habits.
