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Reddit apparently badly wants people to use their app.

  • When opening the mobile website, Reddit asks whether I want to really keep using the website or open it in the Reddit app. (Can be deactivated in the quick menu.)
  • If a post was shared from the Reddit app, it also says “Shared from the Reddit app”, or similar.
  • RPAN (Reddit Public Access Service) can be accessed from their desktop website, but not the mobile website. For that, Reddit wants you to use their app.
  • Reddit chat? Reddit app.

I know, software apps can technically be more versatile and usually load faster than progressive web-apps, but why is Reddit so highly interested in users using their app?
Reddit **app**arently badly wants people to use their app. * When opening the mobile website, Reddit asks whether I want to *really* keep using the website or open it in the Reddit app. (Can be deactivated in the quick menu.) * If a post was shared from the Reddit app, it also says *“Shared from the Reddit app”*, or similar. * RPAN (*Reddit Public Access Service*) can be accessed from their desktop website, but not the mobile website. For that, Reddit wants you to use their app. * Reddit chat? Reddit app. I know, software apps can technically be more versatile and usually load faster than progressive web-apps, but why is Reddit so highly interested in users using their app?

6 comments

[–] ScorpioGlitch 9 points (+9|-0) 5 years ago

Because the app can track your location, get your phone number and contacts, etc etc. The site is free and you are the product and it has been operating at a loss every year the site has been open.
[–] Handroid7 [OP] -1 points (+0|-1) 5 years ago

the app can track your location

That has been abused by a Reddit administrator recently:

He exposed the location of a /r/JusticeServed viral post's submitter.
[–] Justintoxicated 3 points (+3|-0) 5 years ago

It's because they missed their window. Back in 2008 people wanted a Reddit app but the developers had other concerns so they just endorsed apps made by users. Now they're trying to get in on that app money.
[–] jobes 2 points (+2|-0) 5 years ago

More data harvesting and the inability to use their site without being tracked and data mined for advertiser info
[–] revmoo 1 points (+1|-0) 5 years ago

No way to block ads, a whole lot more data and metrics and tracking.
[–] Handroid7 [OP] -1 points (+0|-1) 5 years ago Edited 5 years ago

I actually don't mind non-intrusive ads.

But yes, the Reddit app apparently is spyware.
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