People can be so negligent when using social apps. I watch adults, teens and children use social engaging apps every day and they don’t have a clue as to who is listening on the other end. It is almost as if they believe the social media app gives them the super power of anonymity. Many times I have questioned why they give so much information about themselves to a perfect stranger online and not one of them were able to give me a solid, fact based reason as to why they do it. But when I ask them if they would offer the same information if someone knocked on their front door or cozied up to them at Starbucks, they gave a screeching “NO!”…
Four Apps That Will Ruin You
In 2009, studies revealed that text messaging was the most common form of communication used by teenagers. Today, the trend of using cellphones to communicate continues but with one variation: a variety of apps are now used rather than standard text messaging. Popular apps can gain more than a million users within 24 hours of launching, and while that’s great news for the developers, it’s not good for your reputation, safety or bank account.
You Snapchatted WHAT?!
Snapchat was an overnight sensation because it promised a safe place to post pictures that you would never advertise to potential employers on LinkedIn. Picture messages sent through the app disappear within seconds, allowing the person on the other end only a short window to see what you’re offering. In a day where one drunk photo can ruin your reputation, millions of people flocked to this app in hopes of getting naughty without getting caught.
Unfortunately, the fun disappeared about as fast as the pictures. In 2014, Snapchat’s developer settled with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and admitted guilt on three serious charges:
- Deception regarding “disappearing” nature of messages
- Deception regarding amount of persona data collected
- Deception regarding security measures to protect collected data
The disappearing images never entirely disappear and are often captured by screenshot without the sender even knowing. It turns out the disappearing act won’t save you from getting caught in an unflattering moment.
Don’t Get Tinder-ized
Many of the perfect matches you’re paired with on Tinder may turn out to be not-so-tender after all. The app allows you to swipe through pictures of local singles and select only those that you’re interested in meeting. If the person on the other side also likes your picture, you’re all set for a date.
There are billions of swipes happening on this app daily, and more than 12 million people are matched each day. While statistics show that users spend less than 10 minutes using the app at a time, they will do that up to 11 times throughout the day. This an addiction that can kill productivity, but it’s also dangerous. Stories of misrepresentations through pictures, date rapes, robberies and other scary encounters are surfacing more as time moves on. You want someone tender to love, but you can’t let your guard down on Tinder.
Kik Delivers an Expensive Message
Kik messenger started out as yet another mobile chat app, but it’s a bit different than others you may have on your smartphone. It uses an HTML5 platform which creates a series of mini-webpages that allow the messenger to offer more than just chat screens. You can share photos, videos and even drawings.
That sounds like fun, but Kik is praised by business-minded technology experts for its ability to monetize a mobile chat platform. You may enjoy playing Kik-exclusive games and doodling in your free time, but watch out for opportunities to pay for game boosts and other little perks. While they may seem inexpensive, dollars and cents add up over time.
The Vine Might Make You Itchy
Teenagers and young adults have been challenging one another to “do it for the vine” for a couple of years, but there’s a raunchy side to the Vine app that may have escaped many parents. We’re talking about rated-R scenes done just for the vine. Yes, sex sells, but these videos are presented on an app heavily used by teenagers not old enough to view such content. Since a pornographic video was featured on the homepage and sent to all users as an Editor’s Pick, doing it for the vine has taken on a whole new meaning.
Plus, the app may make you think that posting unflattering or offensive video clips is all in good fun. Many videos feature young adults performing dangerous tricks and adults acting like children. You have to remember that everything you post on Vine may end up in the hands of your employer or even your child one day.
Protect yourself by playing smart when using any type of mobile application. If you know that your picture will never cease to exist in 10 seconds, you won’t take pictures that can possibly scorch your reputation. The same goes for doing not-so-flattering things for the sake of Vine or letting down your guard with your “perfect” Tinder match.
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