While one can see obvious issues with many studies, and especially with media reporting on those studies, there is one obvious proof that at least some of that research works.

Basically, dark web patterns, click-bait titles, reality shows, constant influx of targetted information DOES seem to keep users clicking and coming back. I like to call (most of) marketing immoral application of psychologic results: abuse of the worst patterns of human behaviour for commercial gain.

And this is just the tip of the iceberg.

Now again, most of it is obvious babble that's just statistical play, but it's similarly true that some research really translates to reality.