The article discusses the transformation of dating apps like Tinder into addictive platforms that manipulate user behavior. A personal anecdote illustrates the compulsive nature of app usage without genuine engagement. The article critiques product designs that create artificial wants and psychological dependencies through opaque reward systems and discomfort. The implications of these practices are explored through examples from language learning apps and mobile games, emphasizing transparency in rewards and ethical gamification that fosters true motivation.
A male friend of mine recently deleted Tinder after a late-night come-to-Jesus moment. "I realized I was opening it a hundred times a day but rarely messaging anyone," he told me.
Limited swipes, hiding matches behind paywalls, and algorithmic "boost" features turned dating into a game rigged against users, eventually triggering a lawsuit alleging the app was designed to be addictive.
Healthy gamification enhances intrinsic motivation - it makes people want to do something they already found valuable. Predatory systems manufacture artificial wants and create psychological dependencies.
When your economy becomes deliberately complex, you're probably hiding something. Warning signs include: Mobile games are notorious for this approach.
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