This article intrigued me because it gave me insight into the psychological effects that technology has on us. We are subconsciously addicted to our smartphones and social media, constantly checking to see if we have any new notifications or not, even if we don’t hear the phone buzz because maybe we just didn’t hear it. Seeing the screen light up with notifications gives people a certain satisfaction because they’re getting attention and appreciation from people not within the vicinity. Apps are definitely designed to manipulate their users by offering sorts of prizes with followers, likes, comments, and views. It gives users a satisfaction that the content they’re posting seems important, entertaining, or exciting.

When I read about the strategies that Snapchat uses to keep its users addicted, I realized that I was unfortunately guilty of succumbing to their tactics. Snapstreaks make it easier for you to talk to certain people constantly, and it feels almost accomplishing when you can get to triple digit streaks. I definitely have given my friend my login information just to keep up streaks while I was on vacation before.

While I do think social media is worth the time because they are platforms for communication, sharing, and memories, I think I spend more time on it than I should. I believe apps should be curated to be more organic and user-friendly so that we can balance our lives in the real and digital world. It almost seems sad that it makes people angsty if they go too long without checking their phone, but the app creators are also responsible for sucking up users’ time and attention by the design of an app.