A conversation with Kyle Janse, researcher at the Centre for Analytics and Behavioural Change, who speaks to Lester Kiewit, explored how social media platforms are deliberately designed to keep users engaged through powerful behavioural feedback loops. Rather than being a matter of weak willpower, endless scrolling is often the result of systems built to mimic social connection while delivering quick, repeated bursts of reward that encourage users to stay online. The discussion unpacked the idea of “social snacking,” where passive consumption replaces meaningful interaction, and how this can leave users feeling more disconnected over time. It also highlighted the importance of how we use these platforms, with active engagement proving far healthier than passive scrolling.

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