Episode 07: Designed to Addict

This episode explores three key ways technology is designed to keep users engaged and addicted to screens: fun failure, hypnotic online searching, and the pleasure of social networking. Fun failure keeps users engaged even when they aren’t succeeding, as the dopamine trickle from each new attempt fuels continued interaction. Online searching is hypnotic because each search offers a dopamine reward, leading users down an endless "trail of curiosity." Social networking provides feel-good experiences, where validation from likes and the opportunity to share personal content make online engagement irresistible.