Facebook's feed mixes posts from people you know, ads, suggested groups, and Reels. The algorithm prioritizes whatever keeps you scrolling.
Why this score
Infinite feed, algorithmic ranking, autoplay video, and notifications on by default for nearly every social action. Reels adds short-form video inside the main feed.
Profile curation, public friend counts, and visible reactions create a continuous comparison loop. The platform re-engages dormant users with memories, friend suggestions, and digest emails.
The breakdown
- Attention Capture7.0
Mechanics designed to keep you in the app right now — infinite scroll, autoplay, variable rewards, and reactive swipe-tap loops.
- Habit Formation6.0
Mechanics designed to bring you back — streak coercion, default push notifications, and re-engagement of dormant users.
- Social Pressure6.0
How much the experience exploits social psychology — public metrics, profile curation, and status comparison against others.
- Time Theft6.0
Mechanics that steal more time than you intended to give — no stopping cues, short units, and 'just one more' loops.
- Cognitive Erosion2.0
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
Disable Reels and turn off every notification category except Messenger.