Gamification is the use of game design elements in non-game contexts, such as in apps and websites, to increase engagement and motivation.
How do cell phones gamify and keep you hooked?
Cell phone apps and games are a popular application of gamification. Nothing like sucking you into a product besides implanting the features to a product that keep you hooked like gambling, work, or drugs. There are a ton of reasons as to why people get hooked on cell phones, but i’ll only touch on a few:
Feedback loops: Many games and apps use feedback loops, such as points, badges, and levels, to keep users engaged and coming back for more. These loops create a sense of accomplishment and progress, which can be addictive. Think about your banners, alerts and messages. 🐶
Variable rewards: Games and apps often use a system of variable rewards, in which the reward (e.g. a new level, a new item, etc.) is not always given at regular intervals. This creates uncertainty and unpredictability, which can be highly engaging and motivating. Similar to a slot machine in gambling, sometimes you win… most times you lose. 🎰
Social comparison: Products on your phone often allow users to compare their progress and achievements with those of their friends and other players. This can create a sense of competition and pressure to keep playing and performing better. Playstation telling you what your friends are playing, apps saying that your friends are online,… 👥
FOMO:Fear of Missing Out (FOMO) is a common feeling among users of social media apps and games. Users may feel pressure to constantly check their phone and stay up to date with what their friends and other players are doing. Instagram, Whatsapp and Snap’s statuses are key culprits here. ℹ
Constant accessibility: Affordability, better cell phone coverage, and internet as a human right. With the widespread availability of smartphones, games and apps are always within reach. This constant accessibility can make it difficult to put down the phone and take a break. 😬
Stress relief: Many people use games and apps as a form of stress relief. The engaging and distracting nature of these activities can be addictive, leading people to rely on them more and more. Everyone likes a break and something that can get your mind off the things bugging you? Don’t mind if I do. 🤯
The more time spend the more data generated: With more and more data generated, companies are able to personalize the experience and create more engaging and addictive experiences. Tell them what you like, what you want to see more of, what you want to see less of… they’ll adjust for you. Enough so that you don’t put it down. 😈
Gamification; we’ve only scratched the surface but this is a growing industry about the nature of hooking you the same way a lot of other things in our life are addictive.