The European Commission has launched an offensive against digital design dynamics it considers addictive. Under the scrutiny of the Digital Services Act (DSA), features like infinite scroll or autoplay might have to be modified. The first highlighted case is TikTok, accused of not mitigating risks to minors. Platforms face possible mandatory changes and fines.
The Engineering Behind Engagement: APIs, Algorithms, and Metrics ⚙️
Technically, these features are supported by recommendation algorithms that process user data in real time to predict content. Infinite scroll eliminates natural pause points, while persistent notifications use push services. Autoplay is triggered by listener events in the player. The challenge for developers will be to restructure these flows to prioritize conscious choice over usage time.
Goodbye to just one more minute: the EU Against Your Procrastination 😅
It seems Brussels has decided to be the strict parent who takes the remote away from us. Soon we'll have to voluntarily click for each video, like in the old days of the internet. Maybe they'll add a pop-up that says Are you sure you want to waste another hour? Confirm / Cancel. A peculiar way to give us back the free will that the platforms themselves designed us to lose.