This paper investigates how AI-powered hype machines on social media platforms drive user addiction. It analyzes the structure and function of these machines, revealing how the interplay of digital networks, smart devices, and AI algorithms creates a self-reinforcing hyper loop. This loop analyzes individual user data to offer personalized services, ultimately inducing social media addiction. The addiction process unfolds in four stages: personalization, trend generation, cognitive captivity, and social pressures. First, algorithms tailor content, forming the loop. Second, targeted trends, driven by social bots and influencers, ensure continuous user exposure. Third, device convenience and community insularity (for example: filter bubbles and echo chambers) lead to cognitive captivity. Fourth, the fear of missing out(FOMO) and the desire for social validation habituate and spread this addiction collectively. Ultimately, the hype machine erodes autonomous judgment by exploiting psychological vulnerabilities to encourage addictive use. This research aims to stimulate academic and educational discussions on addressing social media addiction through enhanced digital literacy, ethical algorithm design by corporations, and transparent public regulation.
Hyu-Yong Park (Tue,) studied this question.