Use pagination instead of infinite scrolling when you need to present large amounts of data or content in a structured, easily navigable way. Pagination is ideal for situations where users are likely to search for specific items or refer back to previously viewed content. For example, in e-commerce sites, academic journals, or search results, pagination allows users to remember and return to a specific page, making it easier to locate a particular item or reference.

In contrast, infinite scrolling is continuous and can make it challenging to find previously seen content. It's better suited for content where the journey is more about exploration or continuous reading, like social media feeds.

Pagination also improves performance by loading content in chunks, which can be less overwhelming for users and more efficient in terms of loading times and data usage. It’s a user-friendly choice for cases where precision and order are important, and where users benefit from a clear beginning and end.^[1]