Apps
‘A total nightmare’: The parents who are rejoicing over social media ban
University academics on Tuesday criticised the government’s plan, describing it as reckless, but parents say it will stem the negative effects of prolonged screen use.
- by Christopher Harris
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How would a social media ban actually work?
Almost a quarter of children aged eight to 10 use social media, as do half of 13-year-olds. How would new laws banning them from apps actually keep them off?
- by Paul Sakkal and David Swan
‘It’s highly manipulative’: The dark side of app streak culture
From Snapchat and TikTok to Duolingo and Strava, streak features have been all the rage since the 2010s. But are they actually any good for us?
- by Nell Geraets
Exclusive
Social media
Instagram wants parents to have power to block access to its own apps
After calls for Facebook to be blocked for children, top Meta executives will tell politicians the best place to restrict access is as people download an app.
- by Paul Sakkal
Exclusive
Media & marketing
Dr Norman Swan skewers ‘breathtaking incompetence’ of ABC app woes
The long-time radio host and medical expert has criticised the broadcaster after an update to its listen app disrupted services.
- by Calum Jaspan
‘It gave me the ick’: When friendly surveillance crosses the line
Location sharing apps are changing the nature of friendships.
- by Lauren Ironmonger
Rebel billionaire: The 39-year-old who sparked a global firestorm
Pavel Durov’s laissez-faire attitude to regulation made messaging app Telegram into a giant. Now it has landed him in hot water.
Opinion
Dating
I’m a lapsed maneater and a born-again virgin. Here are my rules of dating
Oh, the irony isn’t lost on me: once viewed as too experienced, I’m now virtually clueless about modern dating!
- by Debbie Hooper
Red wine for Melburnians, sav blanc for Sydneysiders – and lattes for all
Food delivery app data shows NSW residents want sauvignon blanc, lemonade and cola delivered to their door, while Victorians want red wine and VB.
- by Madeleine Heffernan
Loyalty comes at a cost: the apps holding back Australian shoppers
Customers staying loyal to businesses and making choices against their own interests are the target of a policy overhaul aimed at turbocharging the economy.
- by Millie Muroi and Shane Wright