The endless scroll features on social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram is sparking controversy among interface designers, mental health experts, and users, raising concerns about its impact on well-being and digital habits.
The endless scroll feature on social media apps like TikTok and Instagram has sparked controversy among interface designers, mental health experts, and users, raising concerns about its impact on well-being and digital habits. While some argue that responsibility lies with the developers, others believe users must set boundaries.
“I do think it impacts mental health; however, I don’t know that it is the responsibility of app developers to change that—especially since much of the time the more consumers are scrolling, the more money the developer is making,” said psychology instructor Marisa Alawine. “On the other hand, technology is changing so rapidly, with unknown impacts long-term, so I’m not sure at what point it becomes unethical for app developers to not have exit points. So, I think it is important for students to understand the dangers of certain apps, but ultimately it is up to the consumer to decide when enough is enough.”
Apps often prioritize user retention over well-being through infinite scrolling, autoplay, and algorithm-driven recommendations. However, User Experience/User Interface (UX/UI) research suggests implementing “exit points,” a strategy that encourages users to disengage more consciously and maintain a balanced digital experience, particularly for college students.
The average college student in the U.S. spends eight to 10 hours a day on their phone, with a significant portion of this time dedicated to social media and entertainment apps. According to a study published by the American Psychological Association, excessive screen time correlates with increased anxiety, sleep disturbances, and lower academic performance. Many students report feeling trapped in an endless cycle of scrolling, often losing track of time.
“With me dealing with grief and depression, I use TikTok to escape from my thoughts,” said University of Southern Mississippi student Khloe Littleton. “With me using it excessively, I do deal with a lot of procrastination and a short attention span. It does in fact impact me because the amount of time I spend on my phone altogether is embarrassing. The notification actually made me get back into my love for reading again. So, it’s really a blessing and a curse.”
Platforms like Growth Design analyze UX/UI strategies for improving user experience. They argue that TikTok’s “digital well-being” videos feel like false empathy, as they nudge users to take a break but don’t provide a real sense of completion. Growth Design suggests that allowing users to disengage from a product with a sense of completion is a more humane approach, as users would otherwise see the product as a never-ending list of tasks.
The addictive nature of endless scrolling continues to impact consumers' mental health, productivity, and overall well-being, especially among college students who already struggle with time management. Current solutions, such as screen time reminders, often fail to break the cycle. To address this issue, social media companies could prioritize well-being by implementing effective exit points, encouraging healthier digital habits.
