Design more mindful products that promote digital well-being
Over the past few years, we’ve seen a huge focus on an “attention economy” fueled by AI and other emerging technologies. There have been incredible technological advances which could be used for so much good but are often used to exploit behavioral patterns for business gains. On the other hand, we have also seen a growing focus on sustainability, accessibility, and ethics at the same time. But until now, we have not seen much collaboration between these two powerful movements for the betterment of society and individuals. This is starting to change.
Even before documentaries like “The Social Dilemma”, people were waking up to the negative impacts of the attention economy. As more products and platforms begin to move away from using psychological tactics to manipulate users, instead centering their needs and best interests, we will see more and more people say goodbye to products that are harmful to our mental health.
Companies that truly value the well-being of their customers and design their products and services to prioritize it will be the ones that are able to gain and maintain their attention — and market share in the process.
It’s time to encourage digital well-being through design.
