I became homeless when I was 18. On my first day on the streets I was sitting at a bus stop crying and a homeless guy came up and asked what was wrong. I explained my situation and told him I didn't even have enough money for a bus ride. Without hesitating he pulled out a baggie of coins, counted out enough for his own bus fare, them gave me the rest. That act of generosity will stick with me for the rest of my life.
COVID probably had way more to do with the difference in revenue than 3rd party apps. I know I wasted significantly more time browsing reddit in 2020 than any other year.