# The Internet is addictive Social networks, and the Internet in general, are *novelty machines*: through a simple action, such as a flick of the thumb or a click of the mouse, we are rewarded with a piece of information or a funny picture. When we search for a way to alleviate our boredom, since we often have our smartphones with us, the simplest response we have to this craving is to open an app and scroll. This availability makes the [[Habit-forming cycle]] very easy to trigger, and the randomness of the reward increases its addictive aspect (see [[Uncertainty makes dopamine levels spike]]). The more we succumb to the temptation, the harder it becomes to stop and the more time we lose on mostly empty content (see [[Addiction is caused by dopamine down-regulation]]). In order to oppose this vicious circle, mindfulness is key. One can also enforce harder constraints, such as time limits on applications. --- ## 📚 References - [[@whativelearnedScienceInternetAddiction2017|The Science of Internet Addiction & Willpower]] - [[@whativelearnedHowInternetRedesigns2017|How the Internet Redesigns your Mind | Choose your Default Mode]]