Tag: Social media
Like button, push notifications ‘most toxic elements of social media’
The like button and push notifications are considered some of the most toxic elements of social media, according to a new poll. More than 2,000 people ranked triggering content – the kind of posts that remind users of a negative experience – as the number one troubling feature on social networking sites. The findings come…
Social media companies ‘must tackle vaccines misinformation’
The UK has seen a rise in the number of reported cases of measles (Cynthia Goldsmith/Centers for Di/PA) Social media companies need to do more to fight “misinformation” on vaccines following a “spike” in measles cases, health minister Jo Churchill has said. Ms Churchill said the Government will work alongside…
Yahoo owner sells Tumblr microblogging site
Microblogging platform Tumblr is being sold off by American telecommunications company Verizon, just two years after it was acquired as part of its Yahoo takeover. Automattic, the firm behind blogging service WordPress.com, will gain ownership of Tumblr, which its chief executive described as “a once-in-a-generation opportunity to have two beloved platforms work alongside each other…
Tech firms could be fined by Ofcom over harmful videos
The Government is considering giving new powers to Ofcom that would allow the media regulator to fine technology companies over harmful videos posted online. The proposals, currently under consultation, would allow Ofcom to issue fines against platforms and websites if it judges they have failed to protect users from seeing harmful videos such as those…
Half of people get news from social media, Ofcom claims
Half of UK adults get their news from social media, according to research. But social media platforms tend to be rated least favourably for quality, accuracy, trustworthiness and impartiality, Ofcom found. The regulator’s annual news consumption report said that TV remains the most popular platform for accessing news, at 75%, but usage has decreased from 79%…
Scroll Free September: Could you live a month without social media?
Social media users are being urged to give up platforms such as Instagram and Twitter for an entire month, as part of the second annual Scroll Free September campaign. The Royal Society for Public Health (RSPH) is bringing back the initiative amid increased concern about the impact of social media on mental health, as new…
Increased screen time ‘linked to growth in teenage depression’
Increased social media use and television viewing are linked to worsening teenage depression, researchers say. The more time adolescents spend on social media and in front of the television, the more severe their symptoms of depression become, it is suggested. The study of 1,786 girls and 2,028 boys aged 12 to 16 found that if…
Instagram asks bullies to think twice before posting
Instagram has unveiled an anti-bullying initiative following high-profile cases such as the death of British teenager Molly Russell. The social media site has started rolling out a new feature that notifies people before they post that their comment may be considered offensive. Announcing the changes, the company’s chief executive Adam Mosseri said: “We can do…
What is TikTok?
TikTok is the latest video-sharing app attracting millions of people worldwide – but it’s not without its share of controversy. The UK’s Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) has said it is currently investigating the platform for its usage of data and has already been fined a record 5.7 million dollars (£4.3 million) in the US for…
Church of England launches social media guidelines
The Church of England has published social media guidelines for the first time in a bid to tackle online abuse and misleading content. The Archbishop of Canterbury is unveiling the set of online principles as part of a live Q&A at Facebook’s UK headquarters on Monday. Justin Welby will also outline a digital charter which…
