In just a few years, social media has spread like wildfire over the world. Platforms like Facebook and Instagram have created new job opportunities as well as lucrative channels for digital marketing and made it easier for people to stay in touch. However, there are quite serious downsides to these popular platforms as well – mainly the fact that they have become addictive to people all over the world.
Below, we will take a closer look at the new Netflix documentary “The Social Dilemma” that highlights the problem with social media addiction. We will also compare this to being addicted to games, which has several similarities, and give you some tips on how to play in a more healthy way.
About The Social Dilemma
The Social Dilemma (2020) has become one of the most popular Netflix documentaries this year. The documentary, directed by Jeff Orlowski, highlights the dangers of social media addiction by interviewing former employees at Facebook, Instagram, Google, and Twitter.
Among many things, the documentary talks about how social media platforms are designed to be addictive, with notifications, pop-ups, and endless scrolling. We also learn that if the platform is free to use, your attention is the product for sale.
Through advanced algorithms, it’s easy for social media platforms to analyze our scrolling behavior, interests, and opinions to direct specific ads and content to us. Besides that, these algorithms might increase the polarization in our society, which in turn could lead to violence and riots.
Lastly, the documentary directly connects social media to mental illness, especially among adolescents. Since the introduction of social media, depression and suicide rates has increased significantly.
The main problem with social media platforms is their addictiveness. When we get bored, we see what’s new on Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and so on. Games, both on mobile and desktop, can have a similar effect since they keep us entertained. This also applies to casino games, where the levels of excitement are even higher since there is real money involved.
How Games Can Make You Become Addicted
Games can become addictive in several ways, not only because they are fun to play. Many games have well thought out functions and features to keep you playing for longer than planned. Below, we will take a look at some of the reasons why some games are more addictive than others.
- Gamification: This is a way for companies to make users and customers more engaged and interested in their product by integrating game elements. Usually, this concept is used by businesses within marketing, recruitment, and sales.
- Daily quests. Some games have daily quests that you have to complete, otherwise, you will fall behind. The concept is built on making you feel obligated to play and FOMO (fear of missing out).
- Notifications. Sending notifications is the perfect way to get your attention and remind you of certain game campaigns or other offers. This is also a way to create FOMO and get you to start playing again.
- High dopamine kicks. Some games are designed to trigger high dopamine kicks, for example by offering loot boxes. Loot boxes is a virtual box containing objects that can make your gaming experience better. However, to open the loot box, you have to pay. The purpose of the box is to keep you playing and spending money while doing it. To give an example, the game Overwatch reported a profit of 1 Billion dollars from in-game purchases alone (loot boxes), this was also over a year ago, and the numbers are growing substantially.
3 Tips For Playing Games In A Healthier Way
With social media and games being more easily accessible than ever, the temptation is always near. When it comes to online casinos, for example, you can now find casino games in all varieties with just a press of a button at online casinos.
However, there are some things you can do to play in a more healthy way. Below, we will share some helpful tips.
- Turn off mobile notifications. This is by far one of the best tips to not get distracted or tempted to play. Turn off the notifications for both games and social media on your smartphone, computer, and tablet.
- Say no to newsletters. This is especially beneficial for those playing at online casinos. By saying no to newsletters, you won’t get information about tempting offers in your mailbox.
- Place the application in a folder far from your home screen. By doing this, you won’t see the popup number of new activities directly on your home screen. Also, the games or social platforms won’t be accessible with a simple click.
