Comment by 1bpp

20 days ago

My YouTube use definitely isn't healthy, but it's still the only social app that asks me to take a break if I use it too long or late at night. That should be standard in any of these apps.

I get those on TikTok. There’s a video of someone asking if you’ve been scrolling/watching for too long and recommending to take a break

Does it recommend taking a break? Mostly I've seen it ask if I'm still watching. I've always assumed this is not for user benefit, but in order to not spend bandwidth on a screen that is not being looked at.

The only site I'm familiar with that has somewhat decent self-limiting functions built in is HN's no procrastination settings. But that's of course because HN isn't run to make money, but as a hobby.

Youtube isn't doing that for your health. It's so they're not wasting ads and bandwidth on users who aren't watching anymore to maximize their profits. The sole purpose of a for-profit corporation is to generate revenue for its owners and shareholders. That's it. Nothing more, nothing less. Do not expect anything different. Corporations only care so long as its profitable.

Instagram has it as a tool, not as default. You need to actively go, find, and enable timeframes for it to alert within your rest period.

What country are you in? I have never seen this in the US although I have been a very long time subscriber to YouTube Premium.