eBay
eBay combines auctions with standard listings. The auction mechanic adds time-pressure and variable-reward dynamics: you might win, you might be outbid.
Why this score
Auction countdowns and bid notifications create urgency and checking behavior. The 'watching' feature sends alerts per item, creating multiple engagement hooks.
The browse feed is algorithmic with personalized recommendations.
The breakdown
- Attention Capture5.0
Mechanics designed to keep you in the app right now — infinite scroll, autoplay, variable rewards, and reactive swipe-tap loops.
- Habit Formation4.0
Mechanics designed to bring you back — streak coercion, default push notifications, and re-engagement of dormant users.
- Social Pressure1.0
How much the experience exploits social psychology — public metrics, profile curation, and status comparison against others.
- Time Theft4.0
Mechanics that steal more time than you intended to give — no stopping cues, short units, and 'just one more' loops.
- Cognitive Erosion1.0
Mechanics that replace your independent thinking, memory, or judgment — creating dependency on the tool to function.
- Cognitive Nourishment2.0
Whether the app actively strengthens your ability to think for yourself. Shown on the label, but it does not affect the score.
Recommended usage
Set your maximum bid and walk away. The checking loop between bidding and auction end is where time goes.