Social media are omnipresent these days. In addition to the positive aspects, they also have negative effects on many people. Critical voices are now comparing the mechanisms of networks with those of slot machines: Manipulation tactics lead to more and more time being invested. However, in contrast to gambling, there is only limited awareness of the consequences of media addiction.
This master’s thesis examines manipulative design mechanisms that favour such an addiction. The theoretical findings, together with a design analysis of social networks, form the basis for the LuckyLike workpiece. It aims to create an unusual moment of insight into the dangers of social media addiction: A gambling machine is linked visually and in terms of content to social networks, placing them in a new, metaphorical context. Tests with the workpiece ultimately show whether a moment of realisation has been created.
