Tech giants manipulate our cognitive weaknesses to keep us hooked on social media, and there are growing calls for more regulation to address these addictive designs.
The article discusses how major tech companies exploit human psychology to increase engagement with social media platforms. Techniques like notifications, algorithms, and endless scrolling are employed to play on users' fears and desire for rewards. After years of warnings about screen time without substantive actions, there are signs that things may be changing as countries begin implementing restrictions, such as Australia's social media age limit and the EU's scrutiny of TikTok's addictive design.
The piece highlights the increasing concern among regulators and researchers about the harmful effects of addictive technology. It cites Urs Buscke from the European consumer organization Beuc, who stresses the need for clearer regulations to effectively combat addictive design. This is particularly relevant as European entities are starting to take legislative actions aimed at curbing the potential harms of these platforms, indicating a shift towards prioritizing user well-being over corporate profits.
James Williams, an author and researcher from Oxford who previously worked at Google, is mentioned as a pivotal figure in this movement. He argues that the competition for our attention is leading to detrimental consequences for society, and there is an urgent need for significant legislative measures to protect users from manipulative practices in technology. This reflects a growing awareness not just of individual responsibility, but also corporate accountability in designing products that prioritize user health over engagement metrics.
