Daniel MacDougall
I don't have to chase extraordinary moments to find happiness - it's right in front of me if I'm paying attention and practicing gratitude - Brene Brown
If social media companies had their way, we'd all be a hunchback, zombie-scrolling red-eye freaks with infinite data plans. Millions of people spend their idle time each day constantly scrolling through content. Social media companies make a good claim that their products are to bring us together, but that doesn't sit well in a rational mindset.
The real goal of social media is not to take your money, scam your information, or sell you some product you don't need, but rather to keep you connected to their platform. Time spent using the platform is the main goal. A kind of something you cannot live without and struggle to turn off. This is how companies like TikTok, Facebook, X (Twitter), and Instagram have exploded. They use the subtle art of keeping you engaged.
When you raise your phone, an intense competition ensues within the hidden realm of social media platforms. Each of them vying for the slightest opportunity to capture your attention and maintain engagement. Here are five key ways social media companies strategize to keep you connected. Knowing these key strategies will help loosen the grip companies have over your free time.
Seamless Scrolling
A fundamental underpinning to their strategies revolves around seamless use. The transaction from one object to another in a constant display of smooth interactions designed for infinite scrolling. The user slowly moves through the content without a beginning and no end. This design theory perpetuates the interaction and dissuades the inclination to disengage from the platform. This forms the crux for the intricate dynamic concealed behind the time curtain. Users are seamlessly being fed captivating content in a smooth non-transitional pattern. The user experience of TikTok and Instagram are great examples. Users tend to keep scrolling through content to see what's next and what is next after that. Perhaps the next image may be the one to have some profound effect on your life, but of course, users keep scrolling without ever finding what they're looking for. It's good to keep track of your social media use as you swipe through images. If you notice yourself swiping without purpose, put down the phone and move on.
Sophisticated Algorithms
From the beginning, algorithmic sophistication has been the magic of the user experience. Behind every tap on the 'like,' 'share,' or 'comment' icon lies an algorithm. The algorithms employed in social media perpetually refine the platform based on user engagement. This process of engagement is not solely orchestrated by developers but rather by the collective actions of the users. Thus, the user designs the platform. Companies leverage artificial intelligence to meticulously analyze user behavior to tailor the platform to their preferences, and user time plays a crucial role, prolonged engagement leading to more refinement. If you ever spend a little time on YouTube, this is apparent. Try to search out a few videos, then return to the homepage. YouTube will expertly spill out content based on a few quick searches.
Push Notifications
Another method is push notifications to maintain user connectivity even when putting down the phone. These notifications are persistent prompts, alerting users of new content, friend requests, people you may know, or trending topics, effectively anchoring users to the platform. Even when you try to get away, they keep calling, triggering FOMO for some users. People have a tendency to be informed and up-to-date, so these prompts play a strategic role in keeping users hooked. Try putting your push notifications on silent or disabling them in the app. You do not need to stay connected to any online community more than your real life.
The Art of Gamification
If video games are addictive and so is social media, then why not put them both together? The application of gamification is a technique within the social media landscape that amplifies prolonged engagement. This practice infuses game-like elements into the experience, incorporating features like streaks, rewards for consistent use, badges, achievement indicators, and even competitive elements between users. This gamified approach cultivates a psychological reinforcement to instill habitual engagement and consequently extend the time spent. Another chain to anchor you to the platform. Why leave if you're bored when you can switch to something different and play games?
Application Diversity
Diversification of content formats emerge as another strategic move. Social media companies seek to expand user experience by embracing various platform techniques like the new TikTok dropshipping, Facebook Marketplace, Instagram hosting giveaway contests, and other innovative features. Vigilantly observing user time spent on the internet. Social media companies have grouped other websites into their designs. Think of Criagspace or Kijiji. Once prominent sources for people to list and sell goods, now have been left to the way-side by Facebook Marketplace. Another online arena where people can scroll through lists of items for things they don't need. There are benefits to applications like Facebook Marketplace, but make sure you only use them with a purpose in mind.
Think of social media platforms like all-inclusive resorts. Designed so you spend your entire vacation at the resort, and if you wish to leave, it is typically through them. Everything is in one place, so why branch out to other destinations?
Because you need to, inside your phone lies a realm of escapism and fantasy. A healthy life is directed to the real world, and to find a proper balance between online use and physical life.
Weekly Side Quest:
Take into consideration all the times within a week you find yourself wasting time your phone. Put the phone away and relax. Notice how you do not need to be entertained all the time.
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Author's note: none of the writing was generated or made by AI. Our mission is provide a human touch to our journeys together. Thankyou always, Daniel MacDougall…
