Not just as in Lemmy, but as in general.
Most of the time it’s the same thing.
I typically use apps if it’s something I’ll want to open on my own, and website for things I only ever open if I’m sent a link to itWebsites. I hate apps. I hate them trying to glean data from me, I hate then trying to shove ads down my throat while I’m already buying shit from them. I hate how I have to open a new app for everything instead of just another tab. I hate that many are tied solely to apps on my phone and refuse to use those platforms. I want to use my computer instead sometimes. Sometimes I don’t want to tippy tap on a small screen. I hate apps with a passion, they are a fucking blight more often than not.
I still need to use Reddit for one particular subreddit and more I’m annoyed the mobile web version has been taken away.
If its open source and privacy respecting then I’ll use the app. If its not and I have to use the service then website
I use the mobile versions instead of apps, largely because it’s easier to block ads and better for one’s privacy.
I have too many fucking apps on my phone already. I’d much rather use websites.
I usually just use the website in a mobile browser as I generally avoid websites that require an app. It’s an unnecessary waste of space when the website could just work in a mobile browser but some developers, whether it’s because of incompetence or it’s actually intentional, either limit what features are available in mobile browsers or just make the website not work at all.
I hate using apps for things that could be websites, to the point that I don’t use certain kinds of services that are app-only (e.g. e-scooter rentals).
I’ve recently cleaned up my Android phone and switched from apps to websites where possible and it’s a surprisingly good experience!
Most apps these days seem to be web browser wrappers ether way. Firefox on Android allows to turn any page into a self contained instance (like an app) which is very convenient. I can also install Ublock Origin to block ads and other firefox addons which is amazing. In particular I use addon called Stylus to adjust styling of some pages.
It definitely feels like we’re going full circle now: early desktop apps -> web browser -> smartphones launch native apps -> back to web browser The only thing holding back web browsers is Apple purposefully breaking the web to protect their 30% appstore cut.
Just note that Firefox for android tabs are not isolated from each other, but they’re sharing the same process, thus technically can access all of the other objects in Firefox′s memory. You should consider using mulch for these web-native apps style usage.
Can’t wait for fission to come to mobile to solve all this mess…
Using the Internet without an adblocker sucks. This is many times worse than a theoretical attack on the browser.
Yeah that’s true, I don’t use this method for all sites, but only these that are usable without adblocker (mostly alternative frontends). Instead, I’m opening it with mull within a work profile that has an always-on VPN.
Websites wherever possible.
I will fight the dark patterns trying to manipulate me into using the app also.
If I cannot do anything without the app I will not use said service.
Something I use infrequently: website 10/10 times
It’s only if I use something almost daily that I’ll install an app for it.
Desktop websites. Mobile sites are just garbage.
Hmm, a smartphone screen is quite small to use a desktop site comfortably.
Sometimes you just have to, though. A lot of mobile sites are incredibly watered down and try to tell you that you need to use the app to do any basic function, but then the desktop site lets you do it without issue.
Yep, so much “Download our app to use this feature” I don’t even bother anymore. Then their “app” just loads a web app.
But the phone version of the site is so stripped down and babby friendly to the point of unusability. My favorite are the sites that don’t give you the function you need on the mobile site, but don’t let you switch to the desktop view.
Like what? I’ve never seen a page outright refuse to load a desktop version.
True but mobile websites still tend to be horribly done or missing functionality. I want it to just work, dammit, and too many attempts at being clever just arent
Good enough for me.
I wonder if they meant they use desktop sites on the desktop.
I know I have almost completely cut out cell phone use by way of doing everything on desktop. Even texting and calling with Google fi I do on my desktop via their web app. The less I need my phone for when I’m at home the better.
Kind of 50:50. I use desktop sites on my phone too because mobile versions are too stripped down and I don’t want everyone’s apps with their 69,420 carefully selected data collecting partners.
And then I can comfortably use the same UI on my laptop.
Texting on a computer reminds me of the free 10 SMS messages one could use with ICQ in the early 2000’s.
Good times.
But it still feels soooooooo much better. Mmmmmmmmm, physical keyboard.
I did that… In 2011 or something, when not every website had a mobile UI… I personally don’t recommend it, in fact I’d dare to say this played a big role in the web forums to die… To not adapt properly for the tiny screens at the required time.
Sup, but compare a 2011 smartphone to 2024 one. The average smartphone nowdays would have been a tablet. I had a 7" tablet too.
I might use an app, but when the app is just a browser with no additional effort, that enrages me
Apps I can’t handle websites on my phone
I try to use mobile web versions saved as an app shortcut. When you install a real app it usually comes with a bunch of permissions needed and trackers collecting your info in the background. Bad for privacy and battery life. Classyshark helps scan the trackers and a firewall can disable wifi access on app by app basis but thats a lot more trouble than just not installing a bunch if junk apps.The exception is that I trust open source software from fdroid with a public github repo.
