Addictions

‘Totally hooked’: Hong Kong targets claw machine addiction

Dozens of stores filled with claw machines have sprung up on streets and in malls across Hong Kong in recent years.

UN says protecting children online is an ‘urgent priority’

Bereaved parents in London hold portraits of their children who they say died as a result of social media business practices.

While You Were Sleeping: 5 stories you might have missed, May 28, 2026

U.S. President Donald Trump points his finger during a cabinet meeting in the Cabinet Room at the White House, in Washington, D.C., U.S., May 27, 2026. REUTERS/Evan Vucci

In Your Opinion Podcast

12-year-olds in therapy - the silent rise in youth porn addiction

Banning explicit websites might seem like an effective solution, but consider whether our conservative culture and deep-rooted stigma around sex are actually driving a silent porn addiction crisis among youths.

Netflix sued by Texas for allegedly spying on children, addicting users

Texas said Netflix has for years falsely represented to consumers that it did not collect or share user data.

Social media addiction suspected among 7% of Japanese adolescents: Survey

Questions asked in the survey included “Have you made unsuccessful efforts to reduce (social media) use?“ and “Have you lied to your friends or your family about how much time you spent?“

Will social media addiction go the way of cigarettes?

Breaking addictive habits, whether smoking or social media — or not developing them in the first place — is harder if you have less access to education, supportive peers and healthcare, says the writer.

French activists sue ‘deceptive’ laughing gas suppliers

Under global spotlight, Australia plays hardball on social media ban

Australia reported in mid-January that social media platforms had deactivated 4.7 million suspected underage accounts.

ST Screen Timeout

Smartphones taking over the lives of seniors: When does heavy use cross into addiction?

Mr Lim says he spends two to three hours a day on his phone, sometimes more, playing games, watching YouTube or learning new skills.

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MDDI (P) 046/10/2025. Published by SPH Media Limited, Co. Regn. No.202120748H. Copyright © 2026 SPH Media Limited. All rights reserved.