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The influence of Snapchat’s gamification features on young people
Our recent research paper into Snapchat’s gamification features shows that some of the respondents are experiencing negative effects. Think of the feeling of pressure and having more screen time than desired. The results of the research support the importance of freedom of choice on large online platforms. Young people need to have more control over where their attention is going, what they are seeing and what they are displaying of themselves online. We therefore want to use the report to advise policy makers on guidelines on gamification on social media.
How Snapchat manipulates its users through notifications
Our recent research into Snapchat shows that its uses misleading notification. This is not legally allowed. Namely, the European Digital Services Act prohibits misleading and manipulative design on online platforms. The research serves as input for possible enforcement actions by the Dutch Authority for Consumer and Markets (Autoriteit Consument & Markt) and supports our advice to include the regulation of attention-grabbing notifications in the Digital Fairness Act.
Online platforms continue to use manipulative design regardless of legislation
Our recent investigation into online platforms reveals that they are guilty of influencing your choices. As a user, you are directed toward certain actions that are not in your best interest, but which benefit the platform. This is legally not allowed.