As if doomscrolling on TikTok wasn't already concerning, it now offers an emoji game in direct messages.
TikTok has quietly introduced a hidden emoji game within DMs to keep users even more engaged. This mini-game is currently active and can be played in one-on-one chats as well as group conversations. This addition gives the app another way to retain users even after they've finished watching videos.
It's precisely the type of feature you would anticipate from a platform that has honed its ability to turn "just five more minutes" into an hour of usage.
The game starts when you send a single emoji in a chat. By tapping on this emoji, it transforms into part of the game, floating on the screen to provide a speed boost as you try to bounce higher across a stack of alligators.
The objective is to ascend as high as possible while avoiding skeleton alligators, some of which vanish after one jump. This aspect promotes quick reactions and introduces enough chaos to encourage repeated attempts. TikTok also displays both your score and your opponent's high score in the top-right corner, turning the game into a light competition rather than just a trivial distraction.
TikTok informed TechCrunch that this Easter egg was implemented to enhance the fun of messaging and introduce a playful competitive spirit to DMs. This isn't a new concept; Instagram launched a similar hidden emoji game in DMs two years ago, and Meta has been experimenting with games in Threads chats as well.
While it may appear to be just a harmless DM mini-game, in reality, it adds another engagement tool to a platform already skilled at capturing users' attention.
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Got an old Gmail username you want to change?
I understand that your Gmail username from a decade ago probably seemed acceptable at the time. Back then, the internet was different, and selecting a quirky or random email ID didn't seem daunting. However, giving that old username to someone now can be uncomfortable. When inquiring about its use, you may feel a sense of awkwardness or regret.
Fortunately, you don't have to stick with it any longer. Gmail now allows you to change your old username and choose a new one that aligns better with the professional, mature, or simply cooler version of yourself that you've grown into.
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WhatsApp is gearing up for CarPlay support.
As a long-time CarPlay user, I believe this update has been a long time coming. WhatsApp is finally developing a dedicated app for CarPlay, which is overdue. Up until now, all I could do was view notifications on the dashboard without any significant interaction. However, it's still in testing and currently rolling out only to iOS beta users. So, while it’s on its way, we’re not quite there yet.
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The trend of social media restrictions for minors is gaining traction in more countries.
Navigating kids on social media is already complicated, with many things that can go wrong, and parents typically want to avoid the aftermath. Adding to the complexity is the rising trend of parents creating and managing accounts for their children. Initially, this seems harmless and controlled. However, the internet doesn’t offer a safety lock. No matter how carefully an account is overseen, there's no real way to keep predators at bay. This risk transforms a seemingly "well-intentioned" setup into a more unsettling situation.
The challenge of online parenting has become very real.
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As if doomscrolling on TikTok wasn't already problematic, it now features an emoji game in direct messages.
TikTok has launched a hidden emoji game in direct messages worldwide, enabling users to challenge their friends without having to exit the app.
Australia claims that Meta, TikTok, and YouTube are not adhering to the ban on social media for children.
Australia's eSafety Commissioner has issued a warning of potential legal action against five platforms for not preventing users under the age of 16 from having accounts, just three months after the implementation of the world's first ban.
Australia alleges that Meta, TikTok, and YouTube are failing to adhere to the ban on social media access for children.
Australia's eSafety Commissioner has issued a warning of legal action against five platforms for not preventing users under the age of 16 from creating accounts, three months after implementing the first ban of its kind in the world.
As if doomscrolling on TikTok wasn't already concerning, it now offers an emoji game in direct messages.
TikTok has launched a hidden emoji game in direct messages worldwide, allowing users to challenge their friends without needing to exit the app.