Exploring the often-overlooked drawbacks of ‘free’ mobile apps, this blog post delves into the research findings of Linköping University and RISE. Discover how attention becomes a valuable currency in the zero-price economy, and learn about the hidden costs of procrastination, sleep deprivation, and reduced focus. Understand why users should demand more transparency from app providers and how policymakers can protect vulnerable populations.
The Zero-Price Economy: Exploiting Your Attention
In the digital age, the concept of ‘free’ mobile apps has become ubiquitous. However, as researchers from Linköping University and RISE have uncovered, the true cost of these ‘free’ services extends far beyond the initial download.
The phenomenon they have investigated is known as the ‘zero-price economy,’ where companies like Google and Facebook offer their services in exchange for our digital attention and personal data. By analyzing our behavior patterns, these tech giants can precisely target us with tailored advertisements, making our attention the product that is ultimately sold to advertisers. This model has proven to be incredibly lucrative, with YouTube’s three billion monthly users generating around €30 billion in revenue, largely from these ‘free’ services.
The Hidden Costs of Free Apps: Procrastination, Sleep Deprivation, and More
But the researchers have uncovered additional hidden costs that users often overlook. According to their interviews with 196 people in the Linköping area, the biggest hidden cost of free apps is procrastination. However, they also found that sleep deprivation, reduced focus, and the apps taking time away from physical activities and social interactions were significant drawbacks.
“Putting things off, procrastination, was the biggest hidden cost. But sleep deprivation, reduced focus and the apps taking time from physical contact with friends, hobbies and training, were also costs that arose. It can be difficult for users to put their finger on it at the time,” says Martin Mileros, a Ph.D. student at Linköping University and a researcher at RISE.
Towards Transparency and Informed Choices: Protecting Users
The researchers emphasize the need for more transparency from app providers and stricter regulations from policymakers. They suggest that companies should be required to disclose potential hidden costs, similar to the graphic warning messages on cigarette packets.
“Many apps are designed to make us more or less dependent on them. Children and young people are particularly vulnerable. There should be stricter restrictions for many apps but also some sort of information about hidden costs,” says Mileros.
While the researchers acknowledge the potential benefits and enjoyment that users can derive from free apps, they argue that a more informed and balanced approach is necessary. By understanding the hidden costs and making conscious choices, users can strike a better balance between the convenience of free apps and the potential drawbacks.
