Constantly checking your phone? Feel an urge to scroll through social media when you should be doing something else? You might be hooked! This podcast explores how apps and websites use design techniques to create habits and keep you coming back for more.
We'll dive into the "Hook Model" - a four-step process companies use to form user habits:
Triggers (both external and internal)
Actions
Variable Rewards
Investments
Companies aim to connect their products with internal triggers like:
Boredom
Loneliness
Need for social connection
This way, using their product becomes part of your daily routine - no notifications needed.
Let's look at Instagram as an example:
External triggers: friend recommendations, notifications
Internal triggers: desire to capture moments, FOMO
Action: taking/posting pictures
Variable reward: likes and comments
Investment: following others, building network, creating content
The deeper you invest, the harder it becomes to break free.
But there's hope! Understanding these manipulation techniques is the first step to regaining control.
We'll explore:
The "Manipulation Matrix"
evaluating product ethics
Real-world examples like the YouVersion Bible app
Practical strategies to break free from phone addiction
Join us to learn how to take back control of your time and attention.
