Every day, we explore the digital world in one way or another, whether via communications or entertainment. Interestingly, our interactions with technology are increasingly guided by well-crafted interfaces designed to keep us engaged. Auto-playing videos, personalised notifications, and digital experiences are designed to capture and retain our attention.
While these features enhance usability, they can shape user habits in ways that can be both beneficial and detrimental. We’ve put together this article to create an awareness of the dangers lurking behind the vibrant UX interface of the digital landscape.
What Is Digital Addiction?
Digital addiction refers to a compulsive, excessive and uncontrolled use of digital devices, platforms or media. It is a behavioural pattern related to technology that extends beyond mere internet usage and includes offline activities facilitated by digital devices.
Digital technology is quite addictive due to a combination of social, psychological, and design factors. According to research, digital technology exploits the brain’s reward system whenever you engage in activities like gaming, online shopping, social media engagement, etc.
However, understanding the symptoms and consequences associated with digital addiction can help in overcoming it. Below is a table highlighting common symptoms you may experience if addicted to digital technology and how it affects you.
Symptoms of Digital Addiction
Despite the advantages of digital platforms and productivity enhancements of digital devices, many people overuse them. Below are some signs that you’re having digital addiction:
| Symptoms | Consequences |
| Euphoria when using digital technology | Triggers reward system, thereby reducing motivation to engage in other activities |
| Excessive digital technology usage | Chronic fatigue, impaired concentration, and reduced overall functioning |
| Disruption in sleep patterns due to the usage of digital technology | Difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, and maintaining a regular sleep schedule |
| Prolonged periods of sitting or lying down using digital technology | Muscle aches, back pains, neck strain, repetitive strain injuries like carpal tunnel syndrome |
| Extended screen time | Eyes strain, dryness, discomfort, and other eye problems |
| Irregular eating habits and poor diet choices | Digestive issues |
| Disrupted eating patterns and decreased physical activities | Unintended weight loss or weight gain |
How Does User Interface Shape Digital Addiction Habits?
At the heart of the digital experience is user engagement. But there’s a thin line between healthy engagement and addiction, and it varies from person to person. When engagement goes too far, it can result in digital addiction habits.
As such, UI/UX designers must ensure their products do not inadvertently encourage addiction. Below are some ways UI/UX interfaces can shape our habits.
Overspending and Impulsive Purchases
Most apps and platforms collect various user data to serve them better. This data is then refined and used to push personalised content to users. Whether it is advertisements or influencer posts, they influence what you buy. And the downside of this is that you end up overspending. While scrolling through social media platforms, you often buy things you see online, not necessarily because you need them but because you want them. If you don’t put this behaviour in check, it could result in significant financial consequences.
Unrestrictive Access Leads to Addiction
The design of most digital technologies requires little to no effort from users to access them. Features like free access, algorithm-driven feeds, infinity scrolling, and biometric sign-in impact human psychology and foster dependency.
Developers need to recognise the adverse effects of their designs. So, they should come up with an interface that supports users’ goals rather than nudging users towards unnecessary engagements. Some cases study of ethical interfaces that helps to foster productive habits include:
- Apple’s screen time and focus mode;
- Duolingo’s streak freeze;
- Headspace’s guided sessions;
- X’s tool for adjusting feed visibility and limiting replies.
Social Validation and Peer Pressure
Features such as likes, comments, shares, and views can lead to poor user habits even though they increase engagement. These features put a lot of tension on users for social validation. It can lead to peer pressure, especially as users get influenced by users with more engagements quickly. By building your self-esteem as a user, you can better handle digital products with such an interface.
FOMO (Fear of Missing Out)
It’s also common to see some digital products display an interface with items available for a limited period. The limited-time anxiety fosters a fear of missing out. While this is a marketing ploy to encourage you to make a purchase, it’s in your best interest to consider the benefit and opportunity cost of the offer presented to you.
If what is being displayed is a product or service you need at that point, it will be a great purchase. But if it’s a want you cannot afford, it’s better to skip the purchase.
Conclusion
The interface of digital products can lead to addictive behaviours. As such, users need to be aware of its cues to protect themselves from digital addiction. Digital addiction can present itself in various forms, such as social media addiction, gaming addiction, online shopping addiction, streaming addiction, and so on.
Regardless of the type of digital addiction, its effects can be devastating. Suppose you find yourself struggling with any form of digital addiction. Ensure you seek assistance from a professional or participate in a support group explicitly designed to address digital addiction.
