What is Reciprocity Triggers?
Follow-back prompts and notifications create a sense of social debt: someone followed you, so now it feels impolite not to follow them back.
Where it comes from
Social Networking Dynamics (2000s)
How it hooks you
Exploits reciprocity norms: unsolicited gestures create a feeling of obligation, and obligation drives engagement.
How to resist it
Treat follows as bookmarks, not favors. Follow only accounts you actually want to see.