Wellbeing option to add "Load More" button or turn off infinite scrolling

[verifiedyote]

Problem

Infinite scrolling continuously loads new posts as the user scrolls down. Because there are no interruptions or cues to stop, the user is at risk of falling into a state where they're not conscious of their own scrolling and will not stop until they're interrupted or they get tired. Infinite scrolling may contribute to rising rates of internet addiction and its related symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Proposed solution

Create an option in Preferences > Wellbeing that adds a "Load more" button to feeds.

When the "Load more" option is active, feed posts are loaded in batches and the next batch is hidden. When the user scrolls to the bottom of the first batch, they must click "Load more" to unhide them and continue reading until they reach the bottom of the next batch, and so on...

Or, the option could copy Tumblr's wording and call it "Endless scrolling," and deactivating this mode would add the "Load more" button.

The purpose of the "Load more" button is to create a "natural stopping cue" so that the user can assess whether they want to continue scrolling or switch to another task.

Alternatives

The user could use browser extensions that limit their access to certain websites after a period of time. In my personal experience, this does not work. Often I'll be in the middle of writing something when I get the notice that time's almost up. This is annoying and makes me feel like I can't control my own time, even if I had set it up myself, so I usually end up disabling it.

An option to add something that interrupts the flow and implicitly reminds you of what you're doing is better for retaining (and regaining) a sense of control. I think one button and one click would be enough to briefly shake someone out of zombie scrolling.

More context

Elk has a Grayscale mode in Wellbeing options and this discussion about it caught my eye (#1122) and actually inspired me to make this request. An option for a "Load more" button would fulfill the same purpose: to inhibit excessive use of social media. I figure that implementation may be more involved but I strongly feel it's still worth considering adding this feature to Elk's Wellbeing options!

Further reading
Ethics of the Attention Economy: The Problem of Social Media Addiction. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/beq.2020.32
I’m so sorry, says inventor of endless online scrolling. The Times (2019)

I also made a mockup of what the button could look like. I hope this is helpful in any way. Thank you so much for reading and for y'all's consideration.