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MEP Calls For New EU Rules To Make Digital Platforms Less Addictive

MEP Calls For New EU Rules To Make Digital Platforms Less Addictive
Nov 2 2023 Share

MEP Alex Agius Saliba raised concerns about excessive internet use and the addictive nature of digital services like games, social media, and streaming platforms. He highlighted the real issue of digital addiction, particularly affecting children and young people, leading to mental health risks.

Following lawsuits in the US against Meta for the addictive nature of Instagram and Facebook, MEPs in the EU Parliament endorsed a report addressing online services’ addictive designs and their impact on mental health. This marks a significant step in combatting manipulative digital practices, especially among children.

Agius Saliba stressed that many online services are designed to keep users hooked, causing tangible harm. He emphasized the need for EU intervention to break this cycle, as self-discipline alone is insufficient.

This attention to excessive internet use is a first at the European level. Agius Saliba warned that digital addictions pose a significant challenge, and without intervention, the negative effects will persist for generations. He also highlighted the impact on children and adolescents, affecting their attention spans and cognitive development.

Agius Saliba expressed satisfaction with the report’s progressive messages, advocating for new laws to protect individuals and urging platforms to create ethical digital products. The report also introduces a “digital right not to be disturbed” and suggests positive design practices, like defaulting to fewer notifications and warnings for excessive screen time.

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Stranger Things Teasers Coming Ahead Of Final Season

Stranger Things Teasers Coming Ahead Of Final Season
Nov 2 2023 Share

As November kicks in, Halloween festivities may have concluded, but there’s still more horror to anticipate. 

November 6th marks Stranger Things Day, an annual celebration of the beloved series that typically brings new promotional materials or teasers. 

The upcoming fifth season of Stranger Things is slated to be its final installment, with an expected release next year, potentially making this the last Stranger Things Day before the series concludes. 

The official Stranger Things account recently shared a countdown teaser featuring a VCR displaying the date 11:06, hinting at more content in the next five days.

In a nostalgic reflection, the show’s creators, Matt and Ross Duffer, have confirmed their plans to embark on a spin-off project sooner rather than later. 

Interestingly, Finn Wolfhard (Mike Wheeler) is the sole actor privy to the spin-off’s premise. Wolfhard, in a light-hearted revelation on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, shared how he playfully suggested an idea while on set filming Stranger Things 4, leading to a surprising confirmation from the Duffer brothers. Their amused response: ‘Okay, well… don’t tell anyone.’

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Animal Liberation Malta Condemn Karrozzini As Slavery

Animal Liberation Malta Condemn Karrozzini As Slavery
Nov 2 2023 Share

Animal Liberation Malta took to social media to condemn the controversial but locally traditional karrozzini as a ‘heartbreaking image of slavery’. 

‘Tied up all day, going crazy from stress and foaming at the mouth due to a potentially sharp curb and bit in his mouth which makes it impossible for him to swallow. Face completely covered up, ready to serve his “owner” and people who want to be entertained for a nice ride in Valletta.’

‘When the person who filmed this distressing sight asked the karrozzini driver for clarification, this is the attitude she was met with; a rude and savage individual, who upon realising wouldn’t make any money out of her, didn’t think twice about throwing insults, telling her to f**k her family and to go back to her own country.’

The activists asked whether it is ‘high time we put an end to this cruel, outdated and useless “tradition” and end this form of animal exploitation once and for all?’

The video follows a news report by Lovin Malta which saw a karrozzin cart flipping over in Mdina, with tourists left traumatised by the incident. 

#MaltaDaily 

The Rock Dresses Up As David Beckham For Halloween

The Rock Dresses Up As David Beckham For Halloween
Nov 2 2023 Share

For Halloween, WWE legend Dwayne Johnson delighted fans by dressing up as David Beckham. This playful gesture prompted a humorous response from the former England football star. 

 

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A post shared by Dwayne Johnson (@therock)

Johnson’s costume stole the spotlight as he posted a photo on Instagram donning a blonde wig and a Manchester United jersey with ‘Beckham 7’ emblazoned on the back. In his caption, Johnson playfully dubbed himself ‘265lb BLA-MOAN BECKHAM #7 on the field #1 in your heart. Happy Halloween, my friends. BlaMoan = Black + Samoan. 

Beckham joined in on the fun in the comments, quipping, ‘I mean I thought I was looking in the mirror. Looking good man you might need a bigger jersey’. Johnson also shared a comical video in the full getup, showcasing his ball control skills and giving an intense stare into the camera.

 

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A post shared by David Beckham (@davidbeckham)

Recently, Beckham gained attention with the release of a four-part Netflix documentary chronicling his career on and off the pitch. On Monday, he had the honor of presenting Inter Miami star Lionel Messi with his eighth Ballon d’Or title. This event marked a significant moment for Beckham, who, as an Inter Miami co-owner, played a pivotal role in bringing Messi to the club. 

#MaltaDaily