Am I alone in not wanting to download the app?

MW123

This morning, my car wouldn't start, so I called the AA for assistance. Following the usual safety instructions, I was directed to submit my breakdown information via their mobile app. Despite being told that the phone lines were busy, I chose to stay on hold. Surprisingly, I was connected to a live operator within seconds, and their initial question was not about the breakdown but rather why I hadn't chosen to use the app. 

I encountered a similar situation at my local bank, where staff used to suggest using the ATM or downloading their app instead of visiting the counter. It's puzzling why people are so eager to promote technology that clearly replaces their jobs. What used to be my local bank has transformed into a cosmetic dentist.

Our council has a strong preference for using apps. The local council introduced a parking meter system exclusively reliant on an app at the cliff tops, without considering the absence of mobile signal in that area. 

While I'm comfortable with online banking on my computer, they're now encouraging me to handle everything through an app, sending me at least six promotional emails a day highlighting its benefits. Despite having experience with computerised systems for over 30 years, I don't feel at ease with the idea of using apps and storing all my personal information and finances on a smartphone. How do others cope in this digital world?

 

Jimm_Alumni

Apps can sometimes be useful for certain integrations. They generally do have more ease of use for the user IF they are designed well.

Apps can often also be used offline if the action you're wanting to do doesn't require internet access. Better designed apps even allow you to do actions offline or have poor signal, such as sending a message to the organisation. It will just send it when your phone is online/has better signal.

However, I do dislike that sometimes apps are used to get more information on you than they would via internet interactions. 

There are also other reasons businesses especially prefer apps. It means they have access to sending you notifications (if you agree to them, which many auto-tick the box for you), helps advertise.

Simply using your phone means you will see their app, subtle advertisement. 

As ever, I think there should be choice. I understand why companies push apps, it's proven to get them better results, but you should have the choice to not use it.

C_J

I understand exactly what you are saying there is nothing better than communicating with another human and absolutely certain apps and technology is costing people certain jobs and that is such a shame.
We are alway being warned about scams and yet encouraged to download and install more and more apps.

I am very cautious what I download onto my phone and maybe it's me but do sometimes second guess what information I put on certain apps and websites to a point were I won't put any information and will make contact via phone or email or write to them despite being told you could do that via our website or app. Unfortunately that being said it is the way things are moving forward and I guess as time goes on we will see more of this sort of progression. 

I was surprised when my doctors brought out an app for contacting them and ordering repeat prescriptions at first I was unsure but eventually installed it. The app is not to bad however does crash at times but you do miss the personal touch of talking to a person.

I don't know if it will help but when I was a member of the AA I used the app and found it really good you can even see in the app where the AA driver is in real time and a call out was really fast when I used it last.

Where it comes to new apps if I have to install/use them I do my homework and if they have something like 2 step verification I will use it just for security reasons I also make sure what boxes I tick/check if don't want all the advertising material they tend to send. 

I'm not keen on how much information our mobile devices have on them but it's the way the world is moving unfortunately so the only thing we can do is make sure all our devices are secure and be vigilant when it comes to installing things on them and filling in details/forms on websites.

Sorry if that's a bit long just my thoughts.

OverlyAnxious

The AA app should perfectly pinpoint your location using GPS.  That can be relayed to the breakdown operators sat nav.  In this instance, it does seem like a good idea.

I find banking apps absolutely invaluable.  I haven't been able to get to a bank for years.  I was using the online banking until I got a more modern SmartPhone.  I then found the banking apps to be so much more sleek and streamlined than the computer version.  Using fingerprint sign-in is also much easier than messing around with the PINSentry card reader.

66Mustang

I'm not overly bothered about them collecting my data as long as they use it for the right reasons e.g. not selling my contact details to scam companies

I'm not important and I have nothing to hide and the benefits of using these services usually outweigh any risks

Jimm_Alumni

I still allow my data to be collected if it gives me certain benefits. See tesco clubcard for example.

But I try to be very careful with my information online. It's not about hiding anything, more about my own privacy and companies profiting from my information. 

As someone with previous financial difficulties though, a banking app is a lifesaver. It really cuts down on the "work" I need to do to stay on top of my finances.

66Mustang

I don't even mind companies profiting from my information - a good example is cookies - if I have to look at an advert I'd rather see one tailored to my interests and browsing habits, than an advert for something that has no relevance to me

I still do look after my online "footprint" though if that makes sense, I don't use social media sites or post up pictures of my family or any comments I wouldn't say to a person's face - you would be surprised what, say, an employer can find out about a potential employee just from a quick Google search!! I know of people who have lost jobs because their online profile doesn't match the desired profile of their company

C_J

@66Mustang I don't use social media either for that very reason it's unbelievable what some people post on them.

Every bit of technology now a day's is capable of of collecting data about users even a smart TV and smart speakers or your TomTom devices it's just the way of the world at the moment I don't mind the cookies that see certain things such as what I purchase or look at online and I would be lost without my banking app as there is no longer a bank near me I can just pop to.

But I do dislike certain companies that are more than happy to pass or sell certain details on to other companies without prior permission such as phone numbers and email details but I guess that's why we have the block phone number or email option.

pinklady25

I have all the apps for everything including AA I find it alot quicker get things done AA come quicker so i am all for the apps