Defeat the feed: Evaluating interface designs to support users in managing their social media use

Abstract

Due to the increasing ubiquity of social media, compulsive social media use is an increasingly persistent issue that compels users toward excessive social media usage, which can lead to negative consequences. Though reasons for this behaviour are difficult to research, it is theorized that addictive social media design may contribute to compulsive social media use. In this study, we design and evaluate alternatives for the so-called infinite scroll, offering natural moments to leave the feed, and for notifications, providing users with various types of support to decide to respond to them, or to ignore or postpone them. The designs are inspired and informed by the literature and the results of a survey study. The results of this study contribute to understanding addictive design better and can contribute to the improvement of social media to make them less addictive.