engagement
Many technologies of the attention economy are based on a design that maximizing "user engagement." This can be highly manipulative.
The attention economy refers to the competitive, commercial landscape where various platforms, services, and technologies vie for users' attention, often employing persuasive design techniques to maximize user engagement.
Here are four examples of such technologies:
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Social Media Platforms (e.g., Facebook, Instagram, Twitter): These platforms use various techniques to keep users engaged for longer periods. Features like infinite scrolling, notifications, and personalized feeds are designed to encourage the development of compulsive habits of use. The "like" button plays on our desire for social validation, encouraging users to check back frequently.
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Video Streaming Services (e.g., Netflix, YouTube): These services employ algorithms that suggest content based on your viewing history, attempting to present an endless stream of videos that might interest you. Auto-play features, where the next video or episode starts playing immediately after the current one ends, reduce friction and encourage binge-watching.
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Mobile Games and Apps: Many mobile games use persuasive design to enhance user engagement and monetization. This includes the use of rewards, notifications, and daily challenges to encourage daily logins. In-app purchases and advertisements are often strategically placed to capitalize on user engagement and retention.
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E-commerce Platforms (e.g., Amazon): These platforms use persuasive technologies to encourage users to browse longer and make more purchases. Personalized recommendations, customer reviews, and limited-time offers (e.g. in pop-ups) create a sense of urgency and relevance. Easy one-click ordering and visual cues suggesting progress towards thresholds to qualify for bonuses (such as free shipping or extra gifts)also encourage users to add more items to their carts.
Each of these technologies employs various persuasive techniques to capture and hold users' attention, leveraging human psychology to maximize engagement and, often, revenue. Some of these technologies are designed to increase the frequency of the visit rather than the duration of a visit.