Switching from native social media apps to Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) adds intentional friction, reducing screen time and enhancing digital wellbeing.
Storage and Activity Challenges
Native apps like Instagram and Facebook can consume vast storage: Instagram uses about 10GB, and Facebook nearly 14GB. They preload media and track activity, exacerbating background usage and resource drain.
- Native social apps often preload content and track user behavior continuously.
- Facebook and Instagram alone can use up to 14GB and 10GB respectively.
PWA Benefits
PWAs run within browser constraints, limiting unauthorized access to device resources. This reduces storage use and tracking, promoting less intrusive engagement with social media.
- PWAs operate in the browser, limiting access to device features.
- They require more logins, turning into a deterrent against casual browsing.
Adopting Healthier Digital Practices
Switching to RSS feeds for news consumption reduces dependency on algorithmically driven content, breaking the cycle of endless scrolling. The author reported reduced screen time, from four to two hours daily, by eliminating idle browsing.
Embracing PWAs can lead to more intentional usage of devices, transforming phones from distraction-heavy gadgets into practical tools for communication and tasks.
