Abstract: Systems, methods, and other embodiments described herein relate to encouraging exploration within a computing application. In one embodiment, a system includes a processor and a memory storing machine-readable instructions. The instructions, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to identify when a user is stuck in a repetitive pattern within a computing application. When the user is stuck in the repetitive pattern the instructions, the instructions when executed by the processor, cause the processor to encourage the user to further explore the computing application by 1) intervening in user activity within the computing application and 2) presenting attention-capturing content that is targeted to the user and unrelated to a domain of content accessed by the user within the computing application.