Why I Prefer Web Apps on Mobile

Recently a friend observed that I use web apps on phone even when a native app is available. They suggested I switch to native apps as they’re usually more polished, e.g. easier navigation and smoother scrolling.

I couldn’t remember why I use web apps so I downloaded a few mobile apps for products I use regularly such as Instagram. Within a few days I found myself caught in the undesirable loop of watching short-form videos in the Instagram app. I uninstalled.

And then I remembered the reason I use web apps on mobile: web apps offer a less engaging experience that helps me avoid becoming addicted to short-form video.

I wish media apps allowed me to tailor my experience to what I care about. I never want to see short-form video and instead:

• For YouTube, I want see only video from my subscribed channels by default
• For Instagram, I want to only see posts from friends

However it’s unlikely the companies behind these products will add such customizability given it would reduce my engagement with their product and thus ad revenue.

On my personal computer, I have installed the News Feed Eradicator browser extension by Jordan West which allows for selectively disabling feeds on several popular websites. I also have a private extension which blocks features I find distracting such as paid upsells.

On my iPhone, I don’t have the ability to install browser extensions (without jailbreaking it). I hope someday Apple permits alternative browser engines on iOS.