DARK PATTERNS IN INSTAGRAM

DARK PATTERNS IN INSTAGRAM

"a platform for self-expression, entrepreneurship, and global connection, shaping the way we communicate and relate."

"a platform for self-expression, entrepreneurship, and global connection, shaping the way we communicate and relate."

— more than just a platform, Instagram wields a profound influence, molding perceptions of beauty, success, and happiness through curated posts. It fuels comparison culture, engendering both inspiration and insecurity.

— more than just a platform, Instagram wields a profound influence, molding perceptions of beauty, success, and happiness through curated posts. It fuels comparison culture, engendering both inspiration and insecurity.

A study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders in 2022 found that the use of social media — particularly the use of infinite scroll — was associated with increased symptoms of depression and anxiety in adolescents.

A study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders in 2022 found that the use of social media — particularly the use of infinite scroll — was associated with increased symptoms of depression and anxiety in adolescents.

Instagram is popular for many reasons, a not-so-hidden reason is, creative content w/ Infinite Scrolling

Instagram is popular for many reasons, a not-so-hidden reason is, creative content w/

Infinite Scrolling

Instagram is popular for many reasons, a not-so-hidden reason is, creative content w/

Infinite Scrolling

Video courtesy : Pexels Link

Problem Statement

To regain control over infinite-scrolling. Although the content is engaging, too much time spent on mindless scrolling, is never healthy.

Existing Solution

Both iOS and Android have app timers that could help with controlling screen-time. But more often than not, people tend to skip timers, extend the timer

or don't set timer altogether. Even the Instagram timer, is not easily discoverable to a user.

How is my solution is different?

My approach involves having an in-built timer in Instagram. By bringing the timer to them, there's a higher chance of users taking an action.

MOCKUPS

These screens have a timer icon at the top making it easily accessible to the user

These screens have a timer icon at the top making it easily accessible to the user

These screens have a timer icon at the top making it easily accessible to the user

When Instagram opens for the first time, these are the 3 primary pages that opens up. The timer is in all these 3 to cover all the use-cases & to reinforce the 'take control' methodology

When Instagram opens for the first time, these are the 3 primary pages that opens up. The timer is in all these 3 to cover all the use-cases & to reinforce the 'take control' methodology

When Instagram opens for the first time, these are the 3 primary pages that opens up. The timer is in all these 3 to cover all the use-cases & to reinforce the 'take control' methodology

WHY THESE SCREENS?

WHY THESE SCREENS?

1

The orange dot on the timer denotes the timer has started

The orange dot on the timer denotes the timer has started

2

Positively reinforcing reminders / texts for the user to motivate them to take action

Positively reinforcing reminders / texts for the user to motivate them to take action

THOUGHTS?

Thoughts on how you can improve this design? Hit me up!

Thank you for reading my UX observation!

Thank you for reading my UX observation!

THOUGHTS?

Thoughts on how you can improve this design? Hit me up!

Thank you for reading my UX observation!

PROTOTYPE

IN THE DESIGN..,

IN THE DESIGN..,

IN THE DESIGN..,