Hooked: How to Build Habit-Forming Products

According to Eyal, how do habit-forming products increase profits for corporations? Identify at least three ways they do this, and include references to the text in your response.

What is the relationship between internal triggers and subconscious behavior, or habits?

Identify and explain the three types of variable rewards as Eyal describes them. According to Eyal, which type of product is most likely to offer each kind of reward, and why?

Reflect on your own relationship with technology. What do you feel are your most positive tech-related habits? Conversely, do you also have a detrimental dependence on any particular product? Has Hooked encouraged you to view your relationship with digital products differently? How so? 

Eyal confronts the notion that all digital products must be as easy as possible for users. He argues that users expect to invest some work while using services and products, and that this encourages further engagement later on. Explore the psychological phenomena which, according to Eyal, underpin these ideas. Include references to the scientific studies Eyal uses to support his claims.

The first step in Eyal’s Hook Model is the “trigger” which first prompts a user’s action. Consider an effective external trigger you have encountered, which prompted you to take action and engage with a product. It could be an online or in-person advertisement, a recommendation from a friend, a company newsletter, or otherwise. Did this trigger prompt you to undergo the whole Hook Model cycle? Did you form a habit around using the product? Reflect in detail on your experience.

Pick a specific product or service not used in the book and explain whether it meets the Hook Model. Detail why or why not.

Explain Eyal’s Manipulation Matrix, his method for ascertaining whether a product is ethical or unethical.