Too Much Screentime for Toddlers Can Inhibit Their Development, New Study Finds

A lot of parents give their young children phones and tablets because of the fact that this is the sort of thing that could potentially end up keeping them occupied. It is a common practice that can make parenting somewhat easier than might have been the case otherwise, but it might also lead to some unforeseen consequences with all things having been considered and taken into account.

A new study that was recently published in the JAMA Pediatrics journal revealed that too much screen time before the age of 2 can lead to inhibited mental development. These include their ability to communicate, the development of fine motor skills, interpersonal skills, as well as problem solving.

Toddlers that spent over four hours a day using screens were 4.78 times more likely to lack the requisite abilities to communicate with others, 1.74 times more likely to fail to develop fine motor skills, and twiceas likely to struggle to socialize.

With all of that having been said and now out of the way, it is important to note that this is the first time that the harm of too much screen time has been announced with any degree of specificity. While there has long been an assumption that using tablets and smartphones can be detrimental for young children, the exact harm that was caused has remained a mystery up until now.

With the new study shedding some light on the specific harms that can be caused, it is high time that someone takes action before things begin to get worse. We are raising an entire generation of humans that are addicted to screens, and they may not have the ability to exist in society in a normal or effective manner.

Technology has made life extremely straightforward in a lot of ways, but in spite of the fact that this is the case, that doesn’t mean that its harms and negative affects can be ignored. It will be interesting to see if the findings contained within this study have any impact on legislation down the line, since it is becoming increasingly important to protect children.

Read next: Teens More Likely To Fall Into The Trap Of Believing Online Conspiracies Than Adults, New Study Reveals
by Zia Muhammad via Digital Information World

Relief For Meta As Moderators Reach Settlement Outside Of Court For Labor Dispute

Tech giant Meta can finally breathe a sigh of relief after some of its own moderators opted to side against the company and one of its ex-partners located in Africa.

The lawsuit was filed against Meta and Sama for unlawful dismissal. But now, things seem to be running in the firm’s favor as a settlement has been agreed upon outside the courtroom.

A total of 184 moderators have come to an agreement with the settlement after a span of five months since the case had been filed. It’s definitely a drastic turn of events which is outlined to be one of the greatest cases that the company has faced in that region of the world.

The news arose after a top labor court in Kenya requested parties to think about reaching a conclusion outside of the courtroom. And finally, both sides agreed.

After a general consensus was received, the parties involved would now be keeping the matter confidential, other than the verdict reached toward the end of the case as that would end up getting filed in court.

Co-mediators were also picked out by the respective parties and the negotiations regarding the matter would take place within a span of three weeks.

If the parties do end up reaching a proper agreement in that particular time slot then great. But if it extends beyond the period highlighted, then the matter would be returned to the Labor Court.

It’s really interesting how both Meta and Sama received a lawsuit from moderators who felt it was unjust of them to simply fire them from the firm without adopting any form of lawful reasoning or protocol. They also complained about not being given accurate notices for termination that usually are administered one month in advance as per the country’s law.

Similarly, Meta was accused of showing discrimination while moderators detailed further about seeking returns for the distress that was caused by these actions. But Sama argued about how it was only paying heed to the laws outlined in Kenya.

Sama also delineated how the moderators it acquired from across the region included countries like Somalia, South Africa, and even Ethiopia. Moreover, the moderators were believed to be involved in removing any posts that they felt promoted hate, violence, and more. And that was enough of a task to negatively affect their peace of mind and overall wellness.

Sama reportedly ended the contract it had with Meta because it wished to put more effort into labeling work so was heading its focus in that direction. But other than getting sued by Meta, Sama is also facing more legal persecution through the likes of Daniel Motaung who happens to be an ex-moderator who handled human trafficking and other similar topics.

He says the company did not provide the right support for workers in terms of mental health protection as well as union busting. And when he tried to create a union in the company with workers, he was fired.

Meanwhile, tech giant Meta is also facing legal action from the country’s Ethiopian citizens who accused the firm of adding fuel to issues that caused the death of 500k citizens throughout the Tigray War which came to an end in 2022.

Clearly, the matter is disturbing and the huge Ethiopian community demanded answers from Meta as it felt the company was the main culprit behind igniting the matter and hence should be punished for the wrongdoing.

Therefore, seeing this matter get settled out of the courtroom is certainly going to be welcomed with open arms by Meta.

Read next: Meta is Elevating Safety in Virtual Playgrounds
by Dr. Hura Anwar via Digital Information World

TikTok's Native Nudge for Retail Revolution

Hello, digital shoppers and dancing dynamos! TikTok is cooking something spicy in the eCommerce kitchen, so hold on to your virtual shopping bags. We're talking about TikTok buying, not just purchasing; we're talking about the kind that makes you wonder, "Wait, did I just buy that with a dance move?"

Imagine you're surfing through TikTok, seeing amusing cats and amazing dance competitions, when suddenly, BOOM! A pair of sneakers is right in front of you that screams, "Buy me!" TikTok has been clever like that, encouraging you to shop while you're having fun. However, guess what? They're not going to stop there.

Attention all avid online shoppers! Brace yourselves because it seems like TikTok's Storefront feature is bidding us farewell. This once-beloved tool enabled retailers to showcase and sell their products directly on the platform. Imagine walking through a bustling virtual mall and stumbling upon a pop-up shop that grabs your attention.

Well, that's precisely your experience with this innovative concept. In contrast, TikTok is bidding us farewell but not without leaving its mark. It confidently declares, "Let's venture down my unique path together!."

TikTok, you see, wants merchants to use its own shopping tools. It's called TikTok Shop, and it's where the magic happens. It's similar to a one-stop shop for all your buying needs but without the hassle of bouncing from one site to the next. No more clicking, scrolling, and getting lost in the maze of internet shopping.

TikTok's Storefronts were initially focused on Shopify, a well-known e-commerce platform. Merchants were displaying their wares straight in your TikTok feed. And, yes, it was enjoyable. But TikTok has huge plans and now wants to bring all those shopping fantasies under its own roof.

"Hey, retailers, join the shopping fiesta on my turf!" TikTok says. They're deactivating the Storefront feature and directing merchants to the TikTok Shop. It's like moving from a cozy little store to a bustling shopping district.

You may be asking why TikTok is so enthusiastic about this. It's like this: People swipe their phones to buy things faster than a bullet in China. Douyin, TikTok's Chinese cousin, transformed into a shopping paradise, with consumers buying stuff left and right - especially during live shopping events. It was similar to shopping with a twist of amusement.

However, the "buy as you scroll" approach has been reluctant to catch on in the West. TikTok wishes to change this. They're laying the groundwork for a shopping revolution. They've witnessed Douyin's success and want to ensure they're on top here as well.

So, imagine this: you're watching a hilarious skit on TikTok, and right beside it, there's a link to buy that fancy hat the comedian's wearing. You don't need to jump through hoops to buy it; a few clicks and boom, it's on its way to your doorstep. That's what TikTok's aiming for.

But wait a minute. The big question is, are we prepared for this purchasing spree? Are we ready to swipe and shop while dancing to the latest pop hits? TikTok is putting a lot of money into it. They have the strategy, the experience, and the "cool factor." It is now up to us, the scrolling, dancing, and purchasing enthusiasts, to decide whether this is the future we want.

So, fellow TikTokers, get ready for a new way to shop - one with a dance-move twist and a dash of digital thrill. Will TikTok's shopping fantasies become your reality?

Only time will tell, but until then, keep scrolling and dancing, and who knows, you might just shop until you drop... into the next viral dance challenge!

Read next: X Launches New Ad Credit Program for SMBs
by Rubah Usman via Digital Information World

Messenger's Move to Locking Chats with Virtual Fort Knox!

Hello there, tech-savvy pals! Hold on tight because Hello there, tech-savvy pals! Buckle up because we're about to get into some encryption fun. How might your communications feel like riding a roller coaster online? Hold on to your virtual hats because Meta, the mastermind behind Facebook and WhatsApp, has ambitious plans to transform your chats into the ultimate hidden vaults. What's more, guess what? They're achieving it utilizing a technique known as end-to-end encryption (E2EE)!

"Wait a minute, what's this end-to-end thing?" you may be thinking. It's similar to having your own secret code that only you and the person you're conversing with comprehend. Imagine your messages being securely tucked away in a box, only accessible to those you choose to invite. That's the beauty of end-to-end encryption (E2EE). It ensures that no one, not even curious neighbors or tech-savvy individuals, can snoop into your private conversations. With E2EE, your words remain confidential and exclusive to the intended recipients.

But here's the deal, pals. While Meta's greatest possession, WhatsApp, had been flying the E2EE flag for a long time, its chatty cousin, Facebook Messenger, was taking its time. Messenger only said, "Hey, let's give this end-to-end thing a whirl!" last year. However, guess what? The voyage is far from over. By the end of 2023, the goal is to make E2EE the default option for intimate one-on-one chats.

Hold on to your E2EE hats, for this secret code mission has a backstory. E2EE for Messenger was first introduced by Meta around seven years ago. Yes, you read that correctly. They carefully guarded their secret, much like a well-crafted recipe being tested in a cutting-edge kitchen. It almost felt like they had deployed a covert agent into encryption, operating with utmost stealth and precision.

Oh, and speaking of spies, Messenger's E2EE journey is like a movie plot. There's drama, suspense, and even a little finger-pointing. Meta points a technological finger at its own coding playground, saying, "Hey, our old code isn't really down with this encryption dance." So they roll up their sleeves and rewrite the code as if it were a superhero costume update.

Remember those servers that handled your messages? They're taking a break because Meta wants its apps to perform the thinking without needing a server nanny. It's as though your communications are having a direct dialogue with no virtual or physical eavesdroppers. Consider it a private picnic for your words away from prying digital eyes.

And guess what, my fellow tech explorers? Meta isn't the only one who feels this way. They have the WhatsApp wizards on their side, who have shared their E2EE potion recipe. The idea is not to stop with the private chats. They're interested in the exciting features like stickers, links, and all the extras that make Messenger your go-to chat buddy.

But wait, there's more! If you're itching to be a part of this encryption experiment, you might just get your chance. Once you've got the latest version of Messenger, you might spot the E2EE option popping up like a virtual jack-in-the-box. It's like getting a secret decoder ring to join the encryption club.

So there you have it, amigos. The tale of how Messenger went from sending messages on a digital stroll to locking them up like treasures in a digital safe. It's like your chats have their very own security detail now, and it's a team-up between Messenger and the magic of end-to-end encryption. So chat away worry-free, and know that your words are protected by the virtual equivalent of a dragon guarding its shiny hoard.

Read next: WhatsApp Introduces New Formatting Tools to Catch Up With Rivals
by Rubah Usman via Digital Information World

Inflation Is Causing A Rise In Yearly In-App Subscription Prices, Confirms New Report

Just last year, most of us were witness to the global economic downturn and higher rates of inflation across the board. And that had a direct impact on the costs of in-app subscriptions.

Today, the latest stats on this front reveal how a mega 1.29% monthly increase in costs for mobile subscriptions continues to be on the rise. This news was shared by top experts from Adapty and we are jotting down some more interesting details regarding this front below.

When compared to the previous year, the yearly subscription prices grew a staggering 2.3% so where usual subscriptions used to cost $31 in 2022, today, they’re costing $45. This means publishers for these apps, as well as some developers, must think twice before adding new price tags to their products.

Overall, we’re going to see general rises in subscriptions for various levels and that’s deemed to be the most normal reaction of them all. Close to 51% of mobile app subscriptions arise from America and that proves how the nation is at the forefront in terms of in-app subscriptions for smartphones. And that is a clear signal of how it has solidified its role as one of the greatest markets for subscriptions out there today.

A lot of this is linked to the fact that most of the nation’s population is really well adapted to technology and its uses. Let’s not forget how the majority use smartphones and even attain simple access to high-speed online connections. Therefore, you can see where the superiority is coming from.

Meanwhile, another important point worth consideration is the average earnings produced by customers in terms of app engagement. The measure assists in determining how much investments people can make on apps without profits being outweighed by the long list of expenses.

These LTV or Lifetime Values are worth pondering upon for obvious reasons. Moreover, reports also saw bigger offers for those providing paywalls for a three-product combo. Most individuals felt it was more advantageous than others. And that’s why people found the price points to be appealing when you compare it with other options out there today.

As expected, paywalls for just one product seem to be the least interesting with users generating the least demand for this offering. Moreover, this might hint at how clients like to have options and feel like they’re making some kind of pivotal decision. Others feel it might have to do with price anchoring instead.

Let’s quickly summarize the key findings in three lines. For starters, the rates for annual subscriptions increased by 2.3% yearly, between 2022 to 2023. To be more specific, in-app subscriptions that once cost just $31 are now costing $45 and that proves how inflation is taking a toll on pricing trends.

Similarly, the study unveiled how America leads with 51% of the total market share for subscriptions of apps. And that reaffirms its dominance in today’s market. Last but not least, the optimal choice that most people resulted to was a paywall offering three products.

Read next: New Study Claims American Citizens Want Advancements In AI Technology To Slow Down
by Dr. Hura Anwar via Digital Information World

X Is Rolling Out A New Button On The Web App To Report Illegal Content From The EU

Tech giants functioning in Europe will now be offering more endeavors to help make the web clean of content that’s illegal. And one of the first firms working on this initiative seems to be the X platform.

Users will now be given the chance to report EU illegal content through a simple click of a button, as spotted by Nima Owji. And this is aligned with the Digital Services Act. Other tech giants will soon be forced into taking similar measures as this feature is created to help ensure users make the most of a safe and private browsing experience.

The news comes at a time when the European Commission expressed major concern about how leading tech giants and online platforms were simply not doing enough to report such illegal forms of content. Therefore, strict recommendations were sent out to companies to cater to this guideline or face fines worth billions.

It also highlighted how leading tech platforms should be more responsible in terms of governing their content. And this includes removing, detecting, and also preventing such kinds of content online at a swift pace.

Read next: LinkedIn is Launching New Brand Partnership Tags For Paid Posts To Facilitate Greater Transparency
by Dr. Hura Anwar via Digital Information World

35% of people say playing things out loud is their biggest digital ick

• The biggest digital ick of all is playing things out loud from your phone – whether that’s TikToks, voice notes, or phone calls.
• 17% of people are turned off by ‘sent from my iPhone’.
• A Hotmail email address and using Bing also made the list.

If you’ve ever partaken in any form of online dating in recent years, you may have come across the term “ick”. Or maybe you’ve been around someone and got an inexplicable of “yeah, I don’t like that”. If so, what you’ve experienced there is an ick, or a turnoff.

While icks are prevalent in dating, they can also be experienced in the digital world, where many of us spend a huge amount of our day. If you’ve ever been browsing online or just out and about in the world, you may have experienced a digital ick, but which are the worst offenders? Domain and hosting provider, Fasthosts, were curious, so they asked the question: What is your biggest digital ick?

Playing things out loud from your phone

Taking the top spot by far was people who play things out loud from their phone. Whether it’s watching TikToks on the bus at full volume, playing a two minute voice note from the group WhatsApp, or just having a conversation on speakerphone, 35% of people absolutely hate it when you play things out loud. This can be officially dubbed the biggest digital ick of them all. If only there were some inventions out there – that could be used with your ears – to ensure that only you can hear what’s going on…

‘Sent from my iPhone’

What started as a thinly veiled humblebrag at owning the newest and hottest piece of tech, quickly became incredibly cringe when everyone started to own iPhones, the email signature ‘sent from my iPhone’ gave 17% of people the digital ick. Whether you’re too technically-challenged to turn it off, or you still consider it part of your online identity, this ick comes in a joint second. It’s time to turn it off, and just accept that iPhones are mainstream now.

Having 999+ unread emails

Do you read and delete emails instantly? Or do you let them accumulate in your inbox until even your email provider stops trying to keep up with the count? Coming in joint second was the digital ick of having 999+ unread emails, with 17% of people considering them a scarlet letter on your phone’s home screen.

Not using keyboard shortcuts

If you consider yourself techy, then you may find yourself identifying with this one. 7% of people don’t like it when someone doesn’t use keyboard shortcuts – so they right click and select ‘copy’ instead of doing CTRL+C. If you feel triggered by this, then there’s a high chance you work with spreadsheets and enjoy shaving milliseconds off your Excel functions.

Using Bing instead of Chrome

Google is considered by many to be the king of search engines, with no alternatives measuring up. Bing is probably the second most well-known, but it’s also the one your new laptop comes with, and that you use to download Chrome. Even though both technically do the same job, 7% of people still said using Bing over Google was their digital ick, an ick that probably extends to other search engines too.

Hotmail email

If you remember having a Hotmail email address, then you’re probably a long time user of the internet, and 5% of people admitted to cringing over @hotmail.com. But it’s safe to say that Gmail dominates when it comes to email hosts, with around 1.8 billion users worldwide – it’s a Chrome vs Bing but for emails. Seeing that Microsoft actively encouraged users to make the change to Outlook 11 years ago, even the creators wanted to wave goodbye.

Only using your index finger to scroll

This is probably a habit that plagues older generations, or those who were late to switching over to touchscreens, but it must still be common practice. Nowadays, most people use their thumb to scroll and type, and 5% of people said they’d shudder with second hand embarrassment at the sight of someone using their index finger alone to scroll.

Facebook check-ins

Remember “checking in” to every destination you visited, whether it was the local coffee shop or an airport to boast you were jetting off on holiday, along with a nonchalant status update? Thankfully, checking in seems to have become much less frequently practised, but perhaps not enough, as 1% of people voted Facebook check-ins to be their biggest digital ick. It seems that nobody wants to know where you are every second of the day anymore. Who knew?
by Web Desk via Digital Information World