On Social Media Design, (Online-)Time Well-spent and Addictive Behaviors in the Age of Surveillance Capitalism

Abstract

Purpose of the Review: Social media attracts billions of users worldwide, and research has investigated how screen time or time spent online is linked to well-being. Additionally, addictive-like behaviors towards the social media platforms are a focus of many studies. However, related research often neglects the simple fact that social media companies have willingly created immersive online environments with the aim to “persuade” users to spend as much time possible on their social media apps to watch ads and enlarge their digital footprints. Recent Findings: We think that it is of utmost importance to better understand how the many design elements on social media platforms—ranging from the like-button to endless scrolling—impact the psyche and behavior of users. Such knowledge will not only help to better understand how problematic social media use evolves but will also provide important knowledge on how more healthy social media platforms could look like in the future. In this context, the present article also critically reflects the time well-spent initiative by the industry. Summary: From our view, the many problems around social media will only be solved if the data business model is abandoned. As long as companies base their business model on the digital surveillance of people’s lives, no changes towards healthier social media platforms can be expected.