Hidden Costs of Free Apps: More than Just Your Personal Data | Science News

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Free apps come with hidden personal costs like procrastination, sleep deprivation, and reduced focus, beyond just data collection.

New Delhi: According to recent research from the Research Institutes of Sweden (RISE) and Linköping University (LiU), the true costs of free mobile apps go much beyond the gathering of personal data. Although many users are aware that businesses like Google and Facebook make revenue of their online activity, the study draws attention to unexpected societal and psychological consequences of free apps, such as decreased focus, procrastination, and sleep deprivation.

Procrastination is the biggest hidden cost of free apps, according to researchers, but there are also common side effects including disturbed sleep, diminished concentration, and less time for personal interests or in-person relationships. According to Martin Mileros, a researcher at RISE and a PhD candidate at LiU, consumers frequently aren’t aware of these repercussions when utilising the apps. These problems are exacerbated by the zero-price economy, where consumers trade their attention and data for services instead of using cash.

“The distractions and impacts accumulate over time, even though many users may not notice them right away,” Mileros said.

Separating Value from Cost in a Zero-Price Economy

Value for the business and cost to the person are directly related in classical economics. The zero-price economy, however, severs this connection. Businesses provide free services while gathering useful data, typically at the expense of users’ time and attention. Although they warn that the sample may not be entirely typical of the general population, the research team conducted interviews with 196 people in Linköping.

However, the results offer insightful information about how users view data privacy and hidden costs. According to Mileros, if it meant preserving their privacy, a lot of consumers would rather pay for their favourite apps only once.

Addiction and the Call for Stricter Regulations

Additionally, the researchers noted that a lot of apps are made to be addictive, particularly for kids and teens. They want more stringent rules, such as health warnings on cigarette packets that include information about hidden expenses. Even while users gain from these apps, Mileros emphasised how crucial it is to be mindful of any potential negative effects.

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