Intermittent Reinforcement
A reinforcement schedule in behavioral psychology in which only some behaviors receive unpredictable rewards. It can produce behavioral habits that are extremely resistant to extinction and is often used to explain addictive product design.
Timeline (last 90 days)
Red badges, high-saturation visuals, and infinite scrolling in mobile apps repeatedly activate the reward circuit by continuously producing small, unpredictable rewards, forming an intermittent reinforcement pattern similar to a slot machine.
Intermittent reinforcement was systematically studied by behavioral psychologist B.F. Skinner in the 1950s through pigeon experiments.
All Facts (2)
Red badges, high-saturation visuals, and infinite scrolling in mobile apps repeatedly activate the reward circuit by continuously producing small, unpredictable rewards, forming an intermittent reinforcement pattern similar to a slot machine.
50%UnverifiedIntermittent reinforcement was systematically studied by behavioral psychologist B.F. Skinner in the 1950s through pigeon experiments.
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