Clicks That Rush Us: A Study
May 2023
Phys Org

Introduction
Dive into the minds behind the clicks with this eye-opening piece from Phys Org! Researchers at Fudan University have unlocked why those little progress updates make us itch to hit 'next' faster. Through their study published in the Journal of Consumer Psychology, they've found that intermittent, or piecemeal, feedback not only keeps us hooked but also makes us more impatient. Whether you're shopping online, gaming, or customizing your dream product, discover how each Step completed! notification is shaping your consumer behavior. Ready to see why you can't wait to click through?
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The Power of Patience in a Piecemeal World
Imagine you're playing your favorite video game, and every level you complete, you get a little message cheering you on. Feels great, right? Now, researchers at Fudan University have dived deep into how these "good job" messages, or what they call "piecemeal feedback," affect us. Unlike getting one big pat on the back at the end (lump sum feedback), these little nudges can actually make us more impatient. Why does this matter to you? Well, in a world where likes, comments, and progress bars keep us constantly engaged, understanding the impact of these feedback loops can help us navigate our digital lives better. It's not just about gaming or shopping; it's about understanding how these signals shape our behavior, our expectations, and maybe even our happiness on a global scale.
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Piecemeal feedback
Small, incremental updates on progress or performance.

Lump sum feedback
A single, comprehensive update provided at the end of a task or process.

Consumer impatience
The urge to see immediate results or to reach a goal without delay.

Action-outcome association
The connection our brain makes between what we do and the results we get.

Valence of feedback
The positive or negative nature of the feedback received.

Fixed pace feedback
Regular, predictable updates that follow a set schedule.
Independent Research Ideas

The role of feedback timing in learning outcomes
Investigate how the timing of feedback (piecemeal vs. lump sum) affects the learning and retention of new information. This could explore whether immediate feedback helps students grasp concepts faster compared to end-of-lesson summaries.

Feedback valence and motivation in sports
Explore how positive vs. negative feedback affects athletes' motivation and performance. This could involve studying teams or individuals in training environments to see how feedback influences their progress.

Consumer behavior in digital marketplaces
Examine how different feedback mechanisms in online shopping platforms (e.g., progress bars, confirmation messages) influence shopping habits and decision-making processes.

The psychology of gaming rewards
Delve into how the design of reward systems in video games (immediate vs. delayed rewards) impacts players' engagement, satisfaction, and game completion rates.

Cultural differences in feedback perception
Study how individuals from different cultural backgrounds perceive and react to piecemeal vs. lump sum feedback in educational or workplace settings. This could reveal fascinating insights into global communication strategies.
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