FAST (Free Ad-supported Streaming TV) is gaining attention. It refers to a type of media service where viewers watch ads and access content for free instead of paying a fixed subscription fee to watch movies or shows online. However, strictly speaking, FAST isn’t truly free because viewers must watch ads. In terms of opportunity cost, the viewer pays for the service by watching ads instead of paying a subscription fee. All free offerings are created through a value exchange. Let’s not be mistaken—nothing is truly free. Freebies are simply a form of payment. My expenses become someone else’s income. - Joseph’s “just my thoughts”
Design ethics is an essential field of study. You may wonder if ethics play a role in design, but they are crucial, particularly in terms of addiction. Slot machines, for example, are four times more addictive than other gambling games. This heightened addiction is mainly due to the variable rewards these games provide. Some designers view this addiction as a means to increase profits. A classic example is a screen with an infinite scroll function, which can lead to excessive time consumption. This occurs because the game’s rewards are unpredictable, and some designers tie this addiction directly to revenue generation. Therefore, ethical considerations are vital across all domains. - Joseph’s “just my thoughts”