Social media

Social media platforms are using the same techniques as gambling firms to create psychological dependencies and ingrain their products in the lives of their users, experts warn. These methods are so effective they can activate similar mechanisms as cocaine in the brain, create psychological cravings and even invoke “phantom calls and notifications” where users sense the buzz of a smartphone, even when it isn’t really there. “Facebook, Twitter and other companies use methods similar to the gambling industry to keep users on their sites,” said Natasha Schüll, the author of Addiction by Design, which reported how slot machines and other systems are designed to lock users into a cycle of addiction. “In the online economy, revenue is a function of continuous consumer attention – which is measured in clicks and time spent.” Whether it’s Snapchat streaks, Facebook photo-scrolling, or playing CandyCrush, Schüll explained, you get … [Read more...] about Social media copies gambling methods ‘to create psychological cravings’

Journalist Nick Robinson has likened the behaviour of Boris Johnson to a 'dictator' for broadcasting directly to the public on social media. The former BBC political editor, currently a host of Radio 4's Today programme, called the Prime Minister's social media use a 'form of propaganda' and said it was undemocratic to avoid proper scrutiny by journalists. Mr Robinson made the comments at the Cheltenham Literature Festival – where he also warned against presenters such as himself voicing their opinions. Journalist Nick Robinson has likened the behaviour of Boris Johnson to a 'dictator' for broadcasting directly to the public on social media Robinson called the Prime Minister's social media use a 'form of propaganda' and said it was undemocratic to avoid proper scrutiny by journalist He said: 'There is no doubt that all politicians know that they can broadcast directly using social media. Johnson regularly does videos on Facebook and regularly does videos on Twitter. 'And … [Read more...] about Boris Johnson’s use of social media is akin to ‘propaganda used by dictators down the ages’ says BBC’s Nick Robinson

Nearly half of Americans trust strangers on social media to advise them about their health and fitness routines, a new survey reveals.  The average American spends nearly two-and-a half hours a day on social media, and the new poll from the Cleveland Clinic and Parade magazine shows that many of us are making life changes based on what we scroll through.   Respondents were most likely to try a natural remedy, switch up their fitness regimes or adopt a new diet after seeing that online influences had done so.  Social media has given people worldwide unprecedented access to more immediate, cheaper health and wellness information - but experts warn that there's a lot of bad advise out there, and it may be difficult to identify.  Social media gives us immediate, cheap access to health information, empowering many people to make a change - but experts warn that not all trendy information is true (file)  Screens are a near-constant part of our lives - so much … [Read more...] about Shocking survey reveals nearly half of Americans take health, fitness and diet advice from social media influencers despite doctors warning about ‘false health claims’ online

Samantha Armytage has written a scathing column about the modern overuse of social media.  Writing for Stellar, the Sunrise host wrote: 'It seems none of us commoners really want our privacy anymore.  'How does a person command respect, levitate above the politics of daily life and be dignified when their daily Instagram feed is begging to be filled with celebrity selfies and photos of food?' 'There's power in being a little mysterious': Samantha Armytage (pictured) criticised social media in her Stellar column on Saturday  The 43-year-old went on to say that some things should remain private, insisting that, 'Sisters, listen up! There's power in being a little mysterious.'  RELATED ARTICLES Previous 1 Next MAFS star Martha Kalifatidis' manager reveals what REALLY... Move along Coleen, I'm the TRUE tabloid detective! Sam... The perfect place to say 'I do'! Sam Armytage visits a... A major wake-up call for Sunrise: Seven's breakfast show set... … [Read more...] about ‘There’s power in being a little mysterious’: Samantha Armytage criticises social media and complains that ‘none of us commoners really want our privacy anymore’

My Kitchen Rules judge Pete Evans has warned fans against a scammer who is impersonating him on social media.  Taking to Instagram on Friday night, the 46-year-old shared one of the fraudulent messages.  It read in part: 'You a very beautiful woman and you seem like a nice lady... Are you single? If yes then it's your lucky day, kisses and hugs for you.' It's ain't me babe! Pete Evans (pictured) took to Instagram on Friday to warn that an impostor is sending his female fans romantic messages via social media  It then goes on to share a 'private email' that does not in fact belong to the TV personality.  RELATED ARTICLES Previous 1 Next Channel Seven's plan to destroy Married At First Sight: My... 'Hard at work as usual!' Manu Fiedel catches Colin Fassnidge... 'I will keep my BALLS strong and healthy!' MKR star Pete... Caught with their pants down! MKR judge Pete Evans shares... Share this article Share Pete explained: 'Over the last ten or so … [Read more...] about ‘It isn’t me!’ MKR’s Pete Evans warns an IMPOSTOR is sending female fans romantic messages via social media in a bid to ‘discredit and attack’ his reputation