Exploring User Addiction to Social Media Apps: The Role of Design Elements and User Behaviour

Abstract

In the age of smartphones and social media, user engagement has reached unprecedented levels. However, this surge has also given rise to phone addiction, particularly as social media platforms increasingly adopt design elements that keep users hooked. This article explores the key design elements that drive user engagement and contribute to addiction. Focusing on patterns like infinite scroll, social validation, and personalised content, the article draws insights from popular social media apps like Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook. Additionally, it discusses the psychological underpinnings of these designs and examines the ethical concerns associated with their implementation.