Last night 60 Minutes had a former Google programmer on to talk about how software developers intentionally build in things to make apps on cell phones and other mobile devices addicting. See it here http://www.cbsnews.com/60-minutes/full-episodes/
FB, Instagram and other apps in effect function like a slot machine where on a periodic, almost random basis there are rewards, e.g. likes and thanks. Sometimes software companies will hold back likes and give you a rush of them at once to give you a big reward. They interviewed a company that uses algorithms to determine for each user how best to time the delivery of those rewards for maximum effect, i.e. increasing the number of times you check in and how long you stay.
They also talked about an anxiety that we have missed something when we have gone a while without checking FB or email. That anxiety has been shown to trigger a release of cortisol, a hormone that is not good for you except in fight or flight situations. They did a biometric experiment on Anderson Cooper and when he heard a sound for a new text on his phone which was kept just out of reach, he had a measurable reaction of anxiety, like a suddenly elevated pulse.
Another thing is that FB makes you scroll continuously to find things, not because it is easier (it's not) but because it keeps you on their site longer, allowing them to sell more ads. Remember, you are not their customer. You are the subject. Companies that advertise are their customers, the ones that pay them. Keeping your attention is an app company's #1 goal, not the customer experience, no matter what they say.
FB, Instagram and other apps in effect function like a slot machine where on a periodic, almost random basis there are rewards, e.g. likes and thanks. Sometimes software companies will hold back likes and give you a rush of them at once to give you a big reward. They interviewed a company that uses algorithms to determine for each user how best to time the delivery of those rewards for maximum effect, i.e. increasing the number of times you check in and how long you stay.
They also talked about an anxiety that we have missed something when we have gone a while without checking FB or email. That anxiety has been shown to trigger a release of cortisol, a hormone that is not good for you except in fight or flight situations. They did a biometric experiment on Anderson Cooper and when he heard a sound for a new text on his phone which was kept just out of reach, he had a measurable reaction of anxiety, like a suddenly elevated pulse.
Another thing is that FB makes you scroll continuously to find things, not because it is easier (it's not) but because it keeps you on their site longer, allowing them to sell more ads. Remember, you are not their customer. You are the subject. Companies that advertise are their customers, the ones that pay them. Keeping your attention is an app company's #1 goal, not the customer experience, no matter what they say.
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