Google released a very important update for YouTube, the platform it owns and with which it allows the whole world to watch a varied range of video clips on a variety of devices. Google follows the example of other important companies, which tell users how much time they spend using various applications, so from now on the one for the YouTube platform will also tell us how many hours we waste viewing the content available there.
Google has implemented in the YouTube application a new function called Time Watched, showing people how much time they spent daily or weekly using the application, including a daily average. Those from Google claim that this function takes information from the viewing history of the video clips available on the platform, the data being automatically analyzed in YouTube's servers before the information is displayed in order to know when we have to leave the application aside.
Google: IMPORTANT update for YouTube
Google says that these new functions for YouTube are designed to give users the opportunity to take more care of their physical and mental health, which also involves using the application less often. Google does not count the time spent using YouTube Music and YouTube TV, but includes a function that reminds us to leave the application aside after too much time spent using it, so we will know when it is necessary to move away from it.
"Our goal is to provide a better understanding of time spent on YouTube, so you can make informed decisions about how you want YouTube to best fit into your life. Once you know how much time you're spending in the app, you may want to set a limit. It's easy to lose track of time when you're having fun, which is why we'll help you set up a reminder to take a break."
Here, Google follows the example of Apple, who announced for iOS 12 a similar functionality, but integrated into the operating system for iPhone and iPad, limiting applications in a slightly different way. Those at Facebook have integrated something similar for their users, and now Google is trying to keep up with companies that want to help people use their services less, although of course that won't happen.
