Online Archive of University of Virginia Scholarship
An Attack From All Sides; Defeating the Doom Scroll: Designing Less Addictive Social Media Apps51 views
Author
Neale, Jacob, School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Virginia
Advisors
Wylie, Caitlin, EN-Engineering and Society, University of Virginia
Morrison, Briana, EN-Comp Science Dept, University of Virginia
Vrugtman, Rosanne, EN-Comp Science Dept, University of Virginia
Abstract
As the internet and smartphones have developed, people have rapidly embraced new forms of social interaction, such as social media and dating apps. However, the development and adoption of these new environments has introduced major problems for users; profit-driven design and perceived social immunity on the internet are major causes of addictive, toxic, and dangerous behaviors, especially in young people. These behaviors have major consequences for society, putting people at increased risk of mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and body dysmorphia, as well as creating situations where people’s physical safety is at risk (Tran et al. 2019; Porter et al., 2024). My technical research targets addictive behaviors on social media, a major part of this overarching issue that can lead to depression and anxiety, while my STS research targets the design and usage of dating applications, which can lead to similar mental health issues and put people’s physical safety at risk.
Degree
BS (Bachelor of Science)
Notes
School of Engineering and Applied Science
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
Technical Advisor: Briana Morrison
STS Advisor: Caitlin Wylie
Neale, Jacob. An Attack From All Sides; Defeating the Doom Scroll: Designing Less Addictive Social Media Apps. University of Virginia, School of Engineering and Applied Science, BS (Bachelor of Science), 2025-05-09, https://doi.org/10.18130/1txz-7v83.
