The psychology behind tech addiction is based on the reward system, where a trigger (like a notification) activates us to check our devices in order to get the reward. App developers are experts on how to trigger the 2 billion digital users worldwide. It’s important to know the ways they keep us hooked, so we can decide what changes we can make. KNOWLEDGE IS POWER 👊🏾👊🏾👊🏾⠀
Ways specific apps can trigger us:
⚠️ iPhone Chat: type bubbles when waiting for a response, notifications and app color⠀
⚠️ Twitter: spinning wheel indicating app is loading more content, using delays between actions⠀
⚠️ Instagram: face filters, stories, likes, comments, followers⠀
⚠️ LinkedIn: when friend invite is accepted, a list of recommended friends appears⠀
⚠️ Facebook: memories, anniversaries, birthday reminders and convenience feature when logging into other apps⠀
⚠️ Tinder: slot machine tactic of swiping⠀
⚠️ Spotify: custom playlists based off your listening⠀
⚠️ Postmates: referral incentive, daily deals and pop up promo codes for instant redemption⠀
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Try to notice these subtle "designs" and app behaviors, when you're using these apps, so YOU can take control of engaging with them or not vs. being manipulated into staying engaged.
