Kalshi
Kalshi is a prediction market where you trade on real-world events. The trading mechanic combines the engagement of gambling with the information density of news.
Why this score
Event markets create variable-reward dynamics: your prediction might pay off or might not. Countdowns to settlement create urgency. The portfolio view encourages frequent checking.
Leaderboards and public profiles add social pressure. Push notifications for price movements and settlement outcomes create multiple re-engagement hooks.
The breakdown
- Attention Capture6.0
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 Pressure4.0
How much the experience exploits social psychology — public metrics, profile curation, and status comparison against others.
- Time Theft5.0
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 Nourishment3.0
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 position limits and check at scheduled times rather than watching prices in real time.