In this article, researcher Sissela Nutley elaborates on the manipulative techniques used by tech giants to increase user engagement with applications. She indicates that the business model of these companies is fundamentally based on the notion of keeping users active for as long as possible, leading to a deliberate and sophisticated design intended to achieve that goal.

Nutley highlights various tactics employed to capture user attention, such as infinite scrolling, which allows users to keep scrolling through content without any apparent end. This feature capitalizes on our natural curiosity and the brain's desire for new information, creating a compulsive loop. Another method is algorithm-driven content that personalizes the user experience based on previous interactions, presenting more provocative content to keep engagement levels high.

The implications of these designs are significant, raising concerns about the mental health and well-being of users who may find it increasingly challenging to detach from their devices. As these techniques continue to evolve, they pose ethical questions about the responsibilities of tech companies regarding user engagement and addiction to their platforms.