For many people, checking their social media feed has become so routine that it now feels almost automatic.
Like so many everyday tools, the mechanisms behind these platforms can seem invisible due to designers' efforts to make them seem natural, using sophisticated and data-driven methods to entice users to spend as much time on the apps as possible.
These techniques include triggering the brain's reward centre, inducing so-called Fomo – the fear of missing out – and using the famous “infinite scroll” that encourages easy endless swiping through content.
In the early days of social media and up until recently, we focused on adapting to these platforms' environments, making sure we knew exactly how to use them to their full capacity and finding out what each feature does. It also meant accepting their rules as if they were set in stone. The thought of having an active rather than passive role in this atmosphere was a distant thought.
Some rules, like banning certain users or removing violent posts, made sense to a certain degree but it didn't occur to many people that things could be different.
For me, it wasn’t until I worked for an Iranian diaspora TV station that I found out about the caveats. When sharing content about Iran’s 2019 protests, many of the posts were removed from Instagram and the account was shadowbanned.
Some of these posts covered peaceful demonstrations in which people were chanting, calling for “death” to the regime authorities, something that was a common slogan back then. There was significant confusion about the ban on the part of the journalists, and subsequent videos were less circulated owing to its effects.
This resulted in significant frustration because the entire purpose of our role was to give voice to the unheard protesters inside the country but we were not able to achieve this perfectly.
The lack of clear communication between these social media companies and their users added to a feeling of power being exerted and gave tech giants the illusion of omnipotence. Trying to make a complaint was like screaming down a well.
In another instance, posts containing pictures or the name of Quds Force commander Qassem Suleimani were removed. Although people were critical of his ideology and voiced their dissatisfaction in these clips, apparently the bots interpreted the videos as being in support of him. Therefore, they removed them to comply with US sanctions. It seemed like holding these companies accountable was almost impossible.
One major incident that helped change all this was when the US Federal Trade Commission filed an amended complaint against Facebook, alleging that the social media giant was a monopoly that broke federal antitrust rules.
That was the first solid stone thrown at their wall.
However, I consider Elon Musk's takeover of Twitter to be the greatest strike. The revelation that he had purchased a 9.2 per cent stake in the platform in April stunned the world.
Trying to make a complaint was like screaming down a well
In the same way that mechanical reproduction destroyed the aura of unique artefacts, Mr Musk's takeover appears to have the same effect on social platforms, either consciously or unconsciously.
In his 1936 essay The Work of Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction, the German philosopher and cultural critic Walter Benjamin explained that the mass production of artworks diminished their authority over an audience. It almost seems like a similar phenomenon is taking place today, with social media's grip being weakened.
Take, for example, Twitter's infamous "blue tick", which was seen as a sign of respect and credibility. To obtain this badge, you were required to demonstrate your competence through a difficult process and be reviewed by the company. However, during Mr Musk's tenure, you could pay as little as $8 a month to receive the blue checkmark as well as other perks.
We see it in his own tweets, in which he mocks the status quo and even asks the general public for their opinion on key decisions, although he may not follow through on them. In both cases, this could be yet another way for people to lose faith in the empowering system that lies behind social media platforms.
Although Mr Musk's leadership style has been heavily criticised, I think that it may lead to positive changes in the future.
Whether he is intentionally trying to distance people from being mere spectators to having an active role, it could be a much-needed step in the evolution of social media platforms.
It is undeniable that social media plays a huge role in modern political activism, especially in developing countries where people need other mediums to have their voices heard. The breaking down of the absolute power of these platforms can be a powerful message for people and ensure that these environments won't mimic the dictatorships that people around the world are trying to overthrow.
The specs
Engine: 4.0-litre V8 twin-turbocharged and three electric motors
Power: Combined output 920hp
Torque: 730Nm at 4,000-7,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch automatic
Fuel consumption: 11.2L/100km
On sale: Now, deliveries expected later in 2025
Price: expected to start at Dh1,432,000
COMPANY%20PROFILE
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Specs
Engine: Duel electric motors
Power: 659hp
Torque: 1075Nm
On sale: Available for pre-order now
Price: On request
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Draw:
Group A: Egypt, DR Congo, Uganda, Zimbabwe
Group B: Nigeria, Guinea, Madagascar, Burundi
Group C: Senegal, Algeria, Kenya, Tanzania
Group D: Morocco, Ivory Coast, South Africa, Namibia
Group E: Tunisia, Mali, Mauritania, Angola
Group F: Cameroon, Ghana, Benin, Guinea-Bissau
Quick pearls of wisdom
Focus on gratitude: And do so deeply, he says. “Think of one to three things a day that you’re grateful for. It needs to be specific, too, don’t just say ‘air.’ Really think about it. If you’re grateful for, say, what your parents have done for you, that will motivate you to do more for the world.”
Know how to fight: Shetty married his wife, Radhi, three years ago (he met her in a meditation class before he went off and became a monk). He says they’ve had to learn to respect each other’s “fighting styles” – he’s a talk it-out-immediately person, while she needs space to think. “When you’re having an argument, remember, it’s not you against each other. It’s both of you against the problem. When you win, they lose. If you’re on a team you have to win together.”
'I Want You Back'
Director:Jason Orley
Stars:Jenny Slate, Charlie Day
Rating:4/5
Company profile
Company name: Suraasa
Started: 2018
Founders: Rishabh Khanna, Ankit Khanna and Sahil Makker
Based: India, UAE and the UK
Industry: EdTech
Initial investment: More than $200,000 in seed funding
What the law says
Micro-retirement is not a recognised concept or employment status under Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations (as amended) (UAE Labour Law). As such, it reflects a voluntary work-life balance practice, rather than a recognised legal employment category, according to Dilini Loku, senior associate for law firm Gateley Middle East.
“Some companies may offer formal sabbatical policies or career break programmes; however, beyond such arrangements, there is no automatic right or statutory entitlement to extended breaks,” she explains.
“Any leave taken beyond statutory entitlements, such as annual leave, is typically regarded as unpaid leave in accordance with Article 33 of the UAE Labour Law. While employees may legally take unpaid leave, such requests are subject to the employer’s discretion and require approval.”
If an employee resigns to pursue micro-retirement, the employment contract is terminated, and the employer is under no legal obligation to rehire the employee in the future unless specific contractual agreements are in place (such as return-to-work arrangements), which are generally uncommon, Ms Loku adds.
Red flags
- Promises of high, fixed or 'guaranteed' returns.
- Unregulated structured products or complex investments often used to bypass traditional safeguards.
- Lack of clear information, vague language, no access to audited financials.
- Overseas companies targeting investors in other jurisdictions - this can make legal recovery difficult.
- Hard-selling tactics - creating urgency, offering 'exclusive' deals.
Courtesy: Carol Glynn, founder of Conscious Finance Coaching
The specs
Engine: 6.2-litre supercharged V8
Power: 712hp at 6,100rpm
Torque: 881Nm at 4,800rpm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 19.6 l/100km
Price: Dh380,000
On sale: now
Things Heard & Seen
Directed by: Shari Springer Berman, Robert Pulcini
Starring: Amanda Seyfried, James Norton
2/5
Brief scoreline:
Al Wahda 2
Al Menhali 27', Tagliabue 79'
Al Nassr 3
Hamdallah 41', Giuliano 45 1', 62'
RESULTS
2pm: Handicap (PA) Dh40,000 (Dirt) 1,200m
Winner: Najem Al Rwasi, Fabrice Veron (jockey), Ahmed Al Shemaili (trainer)
2.30pm: Handicap (PA) Dh40,000 (D) 2,000m
Winner: Fandim, Fernando Jara, Majed Al Jahouri
3pm: Maiden (PA) Dh40,000 (D) 1,700m
Winner: Harbh, Pat Cosgrave, Ahmed Al Mehairbi
3.30pm: Maiden (PA) Dh40,000 (D) 1,700m
Winner: Wakeel W’Rsan, Richard Mullen, Jaci Wickham
4pm: Crown Prince of Sharjah Cup Prestige (PA) Dh200,000 (D) 1,200m
Winner: Jawaal, Fernando Jara, Majed Al Jahouri
4.30pm: Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Cup (TB) Dh200,000 (D) 2,000m
Winner: Tailor’s Row, Royston Ffrench, Salem bin Ghadayer
How Beautiful this world is!
RESULTS
5pm Maiden (PA) Dh80,000 (Turf) 1,600m
Winner Thabet Al Reef, Bernardo Pinheiro (jockey), Abdallah Al Hammadi (trainer)
5.30pm Handicap (PA) Dh80,000 (T) 1,600m
Winner Blue Diamond, Pat Cosgrave, Abdallah Al Hammadi
6pm Arabian Triple Crown Round-1 Listed (PA) Dh230,000 (T) 1,600m
Winner Hameem, Adrie de Vries, Abdallah Al Hammadi
6.30pm Wathba Stallions Cup Handicap (PA) Dh70,000 (T) 1,400m
Winner Shoja’A Muscat, Szczepan Mazur, Ibrahim Al Hadhrami
7pm Maiden (PA) Dh80,000 (T) 1,200m
Winner Heros De Lagarde, Szczepan Mazur, Ibrahim Al Hadhrami
7.30pm Handicap (TB) Dh100,000 (T) 2,400m
Winner Good Tidings, Antonio Fresu, Musabah Al Muhairi
Living in...
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
Living in...
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
THE SPECS
Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbo
Power: 275hp at 6,600rpm
Torque: 353Nm from 1,450-4,700rpm
Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch auto
Top speed: 250kph
Fuel consumption: 6.8L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: Dh146,999
Company name: Farmin
Date started: March 2019
Founder: Dr Ali Al Hammadi
Based: Abu Dhabi
Sector: AgriTech
Initial investment: None to date
Partners/Incubators: UAE Space Agency/Krypto Labs
World Cup final
Who: France v Croatia
When: Sunday, July 15, 7pm (UAE)
TV: Game will be shown live on BeIN Sports for viewers in the Mena region
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Fund-raising tips for start-ups
Develop an innovative business concept
Have the ability to differentiate yourself from competitors
Put in place a business continuity plan after Covid-19
Prepare for the worst-case scenario (further lockdowns, long wait for a vaccine, etc.)
Have enough cash to stay afloat for the next 12 to 18 months
Be creative and innovative to reduce expenses
Be prepared to use Covid-19 as an opportunity for your business
* Tips from Jassim Al Marzooqi and Walid Hanna
The National's picks
4.35pm: Tilal Al Khalediah
5.10pm: Continous
5.45pm: Raging Torrent
6.20pm: West Acre
7pm: Flood Zone
7.40pm: Straight No Chaser
8.15pm: Romantic Warrior
8.50pm: Calandogan
9.30pm: Forever Young
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
MO
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The biog:
Languages: Arabic, Farsi, Hindi, basic Russian
Favourite food: Pizza
Best food on the road: rice
Favourite colour: silver
Favourite bike: Gold Wing, Honda
Favourite biking destination: Canada
COMPANY PROFILE
Initial investment: Undisclosed
Investment stage: Series A
Investors: Core42
Current number of staff: 47
Moon Music
Artist: Coldplay
Label: Parlophone/Atlantic
Number of tracks: 10
Rating: 3/5
