The Social Scroll Trap: How Infinite Feeds Hijack Your Mind

The Invention That Changed Everything

Back in 2006, UX designer Aza Raskin invented infinite scroll. The idea was simple: remove the “stop” button. No pagination. No natural end. Just a bottomless feed.

Raskin later admitted he regretted the invention, calling it a tool that “traps people into spending more time than they want.” Combined with autoplay video and algorithmic feeds, it has become one of the most powerful attention-grabbing designs in history.

“If you don't design for people's values, someone else will design for their impulses.” – Aza Raskin

Why Your Brain Can't Stop

Infinite scroll isn't just convenient — it's addictive by design. It taps into the variable reward system: the same principle that makes slot machines so compelling.

Sometimes you see a funny video, inspiring post, or message from a friend.

Other times you see nothing valuable at all.

That unpredictability keeps your dopamine system firing. You never know when the next swipe will deliver something rewarding — so you keep swiping.

Research shows that this “variable ratio reinforcement” schedule is the most powerful way to shape behavior.¹

The Hidden Costs

Scrolling feels harmless in the moment. But over time, it adds up:

How to Break Free from the Scroll

You don't need to delete every app. But you can put friction back into the system — and give yourself natural stopping points.

Set a Scroll Limit

Use iOS App Limits or Android Digital Wellbeing to cap feed-based apps at 30–45 minutes per day.

When the limit hits, ask: “Did this time reflect my values?”

Create Endpoints

Follow accounts that post in batches (e.g., newsletters, blogs, podcasts) rather than endless feeds.

Use tools to insert reminders into your feeds.

Disable Autoplay

Turn off YouTube and TikTok autoplay. This forces a conscious choice before the next video starts.

Reclaim Rituals

Replace “scroll reflexes” with intentional pauses: take three breaths, drink water, stretch.

Try our 7-Day App Cleanse for a structured reset.

The Peace on the Other Side

Once you step out of the scroll trap, something surprising happens: you realize that most of what you missed wasn't important at all.

What you gain back — time, focus, calm — is worth far more than the next swipe.

References