Social media's infinite feed design and its effects on the user
The interface designs and infinite scrolling features of social media platforms keep individuals in the system while triggering levels of FOMO, depression, and anxiety.
Social media platforms, which have become indispensable to our daily lives since the internet entered our homes, are optimized with infinite scrolling and notification features to keep users in the system; this situation increases the fear of missing out and depression.
The evolution process of the internet
The internet, which in the past could be accessed for limited times in cafes, eventually entered homes, ceased to be an outdoor activity, and facilitated participation in virtual networks.
Platforms that were communication-oriented in the early periods have today transformed into a space where people share what they are doing and where they are going.
Changing sharing habits
While communication rather than sharing was prioritized in the early years of social media platforms, reporting every moment has today become the new normal.
Online character and identity construction
Ludmila Lupinacci from the University of Leeds states that users use social media to strengthen their relationship networks and construct identity.
She emphasizes that shares are not made without thinking, but rather take place after a decision-making process, and private communication comes to the forefront.
Interface designs and the infinite feed
Companies' interface designs are optimized to maximize time spent and engagement by making external links difficult.
The infinite scrolling feature aims to make the user feel immersed in a continuous stream of content rather than consuming individual posts.
Transformation of interactions into economic value
While social media companies turn users into subjects from which they generate revenue, likes and shares are converted into economic value.
Reaction and comment-oriented optimizations can sometimes lead to more controversial content coming to the forefront.
The relationship between FOMO and mental health
The most striking emotion the system feeds on stands out as the fear of missing out, namely FOMO.
Research by Dr. Jon D. Elhai from the University of Toledo and his colleagues shows that problematic usage is associated with depression, anxiety, and stress.