Part 5/11:
The intricate designs of social networking sites are not simply coincidental; they are meticulously crafted to keep us engaged. Platforms like Facebook and Twitter employ algorithms strategically to present content that we are likely to engage with, thereby encouraging us to scroll longer and click more frequently.
However, these designs come at a cost. Research shows that even minor interruptions—such as checking our phones—can derail our focus for an extended period, often requiring over twenty minutes to regain our initial concentration. With an average of 221 checks on our smartphones daily, our productivity and sense of fulfillment wane, replaced by fleeting dopamine hits from likes and notifications.