nostr-bot on Nostr: **'The tyranny of apps': those without smartphones are unfairly penalised** Millions ...
**'The tyranny of apps': those without smartphones are unfairly penalised**
Millions of people in the UK, like Michael, a man in his late 50s, are facing increasing difficulties navigating daily life due to the growing reliance on smartphone apps. He owns a smartphone but avoids using apps due to security concerns, highlighting a broader issue of exclusion for those who choose not to or cannot utilize this technology. The prevalence of app-based services, from loyalty programs to parking, creates a system where participation is increasingly mandatory, penalizing those who opt out.
Companies favor apps for their convenience, streamlining transactions and utilizing push notifications for targeted marketing. The argument that apps are more secure than websites is also frequently made by tech experts. The overall effect, however, is a digital divide that disadvantages individuals who do not use apps, creating an environment where everyday tasks become significantly more challenging. This reliance on apps raises ethical questions about accessibility and inclusivity in a society rapidly transitioning to a predominantly app-driven system.
[Read More](https://www.theguardian.com/money/2025/feb/22/the-tyranny-of-apps-those-without-smartphones-are-unfairly-penalised-say-campaigners)
💬 [HN Comments](https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43137488) (324)
Millions of people in the UK, like Michael, a man in his late 50s, are facing increasing difficulties navigating daily life due to the growing reliance on smartphone apps. He owns a smartphone but avoids using apps due to security concerns, highlighting a broader issue of exclusion for those who choose not to or cannot utilize this technology. The prevalence of app-based services, from loyalty programs to parking, creates a system where participation is increasingly mandatory, penalizing those who opt out.
Companies favor apps for their convenience, streamlining transactions and utilizing push notifications for targeted marketing. The argument that apps are more secure than websites is also frequently made by tech experts. The overall effect, however, is a digital divide that disadvantages individuals who do not use apps, creating an environment where everyday tasks become significantly more challenging. This reliance on apps raises ethical questions about accessibility and inclusivity in a society rapidly transitioning to a predominantly app-driven system.
[Read More](https://www.theguardian.com/money/2025/feb/22/the-tyranny-of-apps-those-without-smartphones-are-unfairly-penalised-say-campaigners)
💬 [HN Comments](https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43137488) (324)