Instagram, once a platform known for connecting people through photos, has evolved significantly since its beginning. The introduction of Instagram Reels has transformed the way users engage with the platform, pulling them into a never-ending stream of bite-sized content. While Reels have become a key feature that keeps Instagram relevant in today’s digital world, they also raise questions about the fine line between user engagement and digital well-being.
The power of reels and user engagement
Instagram Reels have captivated users globally. This short-form video content is designed to grab attention quickly, and it taps into the human tendency for quick entertainment, making it almost addictive. The algorithm’s ability to suggest highly engaging content based on user behavior has resulted in people spending hours mindlessly scrolling through Reels, which often offer little value beyond momentary distraction.
As a product designer, I understand the importance of creating features that keep users hooked. Retaining users is essential for any platform’s growth, and in the case of Instagram, Reels play a significant role in increasing user engagement and time spent on the app. However, this success comes with a cost — users are losing valuable time that could be spent more productively.
The shift in social interaction
Reels have not only altered the way users consume content but also how they interact with each other. Previously, people would connect by sending personal messages or having conversations through direct messaging (DMs). Today, sharing Reels has become a new way of staying connected. Instead of meaningful dialogues, users often send a string of videos, memes, and Reels back and forth, turning communication into an exchange of digital content rather than a genuine conversation.
This new mode of interaction reflects a shift in how social bonds are maintained online. While sharing Reels may feel like connecting, it is often a superficial form of interaction that lacks depth. As a designer, this raises concerns about how social media platforms are influencing real-world relationships and communication habits.
The ethical dilemma: Where to draw the line?
As a product designer responsible for creating engaging experiences, I often reflect on the decisions I make when building features. Instagram’s success with Reels highlights the delicate balance between engaging users and considering their long-term well-being. In a world driven by business goals and revenue, companies are often more focused on keeping users on the platform than considering whether their products positively impact users’ lives.
But where should we, as product designers, draw the line? How do we prioritize the well-being of users while still achieving business objectives?
The role of digital well-being
The issue of digital well-being is becoming increasingly important as users spend more time on platforms like Instagram. Social media addiction is real, and many users are unaware of the time they lose daily to content that provides little value. Instagram, like many other platforms, uses features like gamification and endless scrolling to ensure users stay engaged for as long as possible, which is great for business but potentially harmful for users.
As designers, we must ask ourselves: Are we building products that enhance users’ lives, or are we simply creating distractions? While user retention is a primary goal, we should also consider ways to promote healthier usage habits. For instance, features that remind users to take breaks or limit their time spent on certain types of content could strike a better balance between engagement and well-being.
Finding balance in design
As I continue my journey as a product designer, I am constantly evaluating the impact of the features I help create. The challenge lies in finding the right balance — retaining users and keeping them engaged while also ensuring their well-being isn’t compromised.
One step towards this balance is raising awareness among designers and businesses about the importance of ethical design. Platforms need to consider whether the features they introduce are truly beneficial to their users or if they are contributing to an unhealthy cycle of digital addiction.
Netflix’s The Social Dilemma offers a thought-provoking exploration of these issues, particularly how social media platforms manipulate user behavior for business gains. It’s a must-watch for anyone in the industry who wants to better understand the ethical challenges we face as designers.