Digital Entrapment

This paper examines the state of research on addictive technology, focusing on the design of such technology and on mitigation strategies. It offers three contributions: a review tracing the evolution of scholarly literature; conceptual foundations for understanding addictive techniques used in technology design; and a proposed framework for addressing this issue. Drawing on a systematic review of 42 studies from major databases (Scopus, Web of Science, EBSCO, and Google Scholar), the study applied quantitative analysis to investigate publication patterns and identify predominant themes in the literature. The analysis reveals growing academic interest in addictive technology, with keywords highlighting concerns about user experience and psychological health. Addictive technology is designed to capture and retain user attention through engaging content, personalized algorithms, and attention-grabbing mechanisms (such as notifications, variable rewards, illusion of control, and infinite social media feeds), fostering habit formation and, consequently, compulsive use. Mitigation solutions include technological design innovations, regulatory measures, user empowerment, and educational initiatives.