Recently, the local sheriff’s department released a list of the top 15 apps parents should be aware of. These apps can reveal your location, data mine, and expose your children and teens to strangers on the internet or in person. Here are the apps and what you need to know:
- MeetMe
MeetMe is a dating social media app that allows users to connect with people based on geographic proximity. Users are encouraged to meet each other in person.
2. WhatsApp
WhatsApp is a popular messaging app that allows users to send texts, photos, make calls and video chats worldwide. This app uses an internet connection on smart phones and computers.
3. Bumble
Bumble is similar to Tinder however it requires women to make the first contact. Kids have been known to use bumble to create fake accounts and falsify their age.
4. Live.Me
Live.Me is a live-streaming video app that uses geo-location to share videos so users can find out a broadcaster’s exact location. Users can earn “coins” as a way to “pay” minors for photos.
5. Ask.FM
Ask.FM is known for cyber bullying. The app encourages users to allow anonymous people to ask them questions.
6. Grindr
Grindr is a dating app geared towards gay, bi and transgender people. The app gives users the option to chat, share photos and meet up based on a smart phone’s GPS location.
7. Tik Tok
Tik Tok is used to create and share short videos with very limited privacy controls. Users are vulnerable to bullying and explicit content.
8. Snapchat
Snapchat is one of the popular apps in recent years. Even though the app says that photos/videos will disappear, new features including ‘stories’ allow users to view content for up to 24 hours.
9. Holla
Holla allows users to meet people all over the world in just seconds. Reviewers even say they have been confronted with racial slurs, explicit content and more.
10. Calculator%
Calculator% is only one of several secret apps used to hide photos, videos, files and browser history.
11. Skout
Skout is a location-based dating app and website. While users under 17 are not allowed to share private photos, kids can easily create an account using a different age.
12. Badoo
Badoo is a dating and social networking app where users can share photos, videos and their location. The app is intended for adults but teens are known to create profiles.
13. Kik
Kik allows anyone to contact and direct message your child. Kids can bypass traditional text messaging features. Kik gives users unlimited access to anyone, anywhere, anytime.
14. Whisper
Whisper is an anonymous social network that promotes sharing secrets with strangers. It also reveals a user’s location so people can meet up.
15. Hot or Not
Hot or Not encourages users to rate your profile, check out people in their area and chat with strangers. The goal of this app is to hook up.