Infinite scroll was created in 2006 by Aza Raskin and has become a powerful tool for keeping users engaged.
It leverages the concept of variable rewards to entice users, similar to the mechanism behind slot machines.
The uncertainty of what content you may discover next on platforms like Instagram's Explore Feed keeps users scrolling.
Infinite scroll keeps the brain constantly searching for something new, eliminating decision points and providing an illusion of control.
It is a behavioral design strategy rather than just a UX feature, designed to optimize user engagement.
While breaking the infinite scroll loop is possible by adding natural stopping cues, many platforms hesitate to implement these as it reduces time spent on the site.
Developers and designers face a dilemma in balancing user engagement with ethical design practices when implementing features like infinite scroll.
Infinite scroll subtly encourages users to keep scrolling with the promise of 'just one more,' leading to extended screen time and potential addictive behavior.