People On Twitter Discuss The Harmful Effects Of “Infinite Scroll”
Ironically, Twitter uses it a lot...
There's no denying that we're all somewhat dependent on our phones, the internet, and social networks. They all started out as tools meant to make our lives easier and more enjoyable.
They were supposed to obey our commands. However, along the way, something happened.
We are no longer in control, and we find ourselves under immense influence from these platforms. We can live without Wi-Fi and social networks.
We are slowly becoming their servants. Oh, how the tables have turned.
Social networks, apps, and tools are run by people who are in it for profit, not to make the world a better place.
They achieve their profits by making us believe that we are in control. They have many tricks up their sleeves, and one of them is the endless scroll.
Have you ever noticed that scrolling never seems to end? It appears to go on forever, whether you're doomscrolling or simply going down the Instagram rabbit hole.
It's not a coincidence; it was designed that way. The history of the 'infinite scroll' is revealed in a recent thread on Twitter by @proetrie.
Even now, there are claims that scrolling has replaced smoking. Given the dopamine response to the infinite scroll, it might even do us more harm.
One Twitter user shared:
@proetrieThe endless scroll is actually psychologically destructive for people.
@proetrieDoomscrolling is one of the worst things you can do to your body and mind.
@proetrie
People have responded:
@proetrie
There is a reason for vertically oriented infinite scroll.
@proetrie
Buttoned pagination now feels cumbersome.
@proetrie
Ah, that push-to-refresh rush.
@proetrie
Just a preview.
@proetrie
Now you see me, now you don't...
@proetrie
A JavaScript plugin called Infinite Scroll saves visitors from having to wait for the entire page to load by immediately adding the next page. It is being used all over the internet.
Paul Irish initially released the first iteration of Infinite Scroll in 2008. It was a groundbreaking piece of front-end programming, giving web designers access to cutting-edge knowledge through a user-friendly yet powerful plugin.
Something like that...
@proetrie
Dopamine is released into the brain every time we swiftly switch between pieces of information as we scroll through our feeds, giving us a kind of neurological 'high.' We keep scrolling through the content because of that rush.
It is akin to any addiction, whether it involves alcohol, drugs, or gambling.
Some people believe infinite scroll doesn't improve user experience.
@proetrie
Okay?
@proetrie
Footer content is important.
@proetrie
They are all doing it now...
@proetrie
Digital marketers hate it:
@proetrie
Social networks are ensuring we don't think about it...
@proetrie
It never ends...
@proetrie
Just keep going...
@proetrie
Well, as you can see, we don’t use the infinite scroll. You are welcome.
Even though the infinite scroll has some advantages (at least some people believe so), it brings many dangers. You can become a Zombie Scroller.
Zombie Scrolling Syndrome is a term coined by the McAfee security company in 2016 to describe the effects of cell phone addiction. It's defined as 'mindless scrolling out of habit, with no real destination or benefit.'
Doesn’t sound nice, does it?
