How Algorithms Keep You Addicted

Recommendation systems optimize a score—watch time, daily active users, ad impressions. Human well-being is not in the loss function unless explicitly added.

Patterns that raise scores: autoplay, infinite scroll, streaks, variable rewards, social comparison counts, push notifications at weak moments.

Outrage spreads faster than nuance because it triggers action—comment, share, duet. The model learns your anger fingerprint.

Countermeasures: turn off autoplay, unfollow rage bait, use grayscale mode, batch check apps once daily, install friction extensions, choose chronological feeds.

Addiction language is serious; if you cannot stop despite harm, treat it like behavioral health—counseling, support groups, device contracts.

Designers inside companies often want ethics; speak up if you build these systems.

Pair with scrolling-feels-empty and rebuild-focus guides.