Addictive Design: Introduction

Learning Activity

In this activity, you will explore the concept of Addictive Design and how social media uses the concept to get and keep our attention. Our brains are wired to build habits. We have habits for our daily routines, like the way we brush our teeth or the things we do to get ready for school. Tech designers understand the power of habits. Their job is to get you to use their devices or tools as a habit, without even thinking about it. This makes them successful and makes them more money. This is called addictive design.

Keep this in mind as you think about the following question: How does social media use addictive design like feedback loops to get and keep your attention? 

Resources

What makes us Addicted?

How Instagram is Intentionally Designed to Mimic Addictive Painkillers

Social Media’s Twofold Problem: Manipulative Algorithms and Addictive Design