Cyberbullying is a serious problem and the impact of it is usually catastrophic.
It’s a known fact that anonymous social chat apps are one of the reasons behind cyberbullying. If you’ve been following us on Vulcan Post, you would remember that we previously reported that 1 in 3 students in Singapore have been victims of the heinous crime. It’s awful and despite the repeated messages by organisations, it is still happening around the world. Even more recently, the late Robin Williams’ daughter even decided to quit Twitter due to harassment from cyberbullies.
Foro Technologies has developed a new anonymous app called Truth for iOS users, and truth be told, it’s making me like a cat on a hot tin roof.
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“Truth is a new messaging app that allows you to message your friends truthfully. Join thousands of people who are telling truths – with Truth!”
— Truth
The iOS app works pretty much the same way as its counterpart, Android app Secret: it allows users to anonymously message people in their phone contacts. After sending the message, the user’s identity is disguised as an owl with a random personality. If the receivers don’t have the app, Truth will send them a text with a portion of the sender’s message to tempt them to download the app to continue the conversation.
What happens if users received some messages they didn’t like? Report it. Foro Technologies aims to create a non-threatening environment and they have zero tolerance when it comes to cyberbullying.
Frankly speaking, with the existence of similar apps like Yik Yak, Whisper, and Secret, I’m really not that interested in another anonymous social chat app. However, I do have to applaud Truth for its charming layout. Plus, the fact that the developers are ready to take any measures against cyberbullying gives them a couple of brownie points.
Judging by the design, it looks like Truth is targeted at youngsters. Since youths are typically big on social media apps, this iOS app is quite possibly going to do well in the market.
Verdict: Truth is well-intentioned, for sure. Will it backfire? I can’t help to think that there are people out there who are going to manipulate the system to cut someone to the quick. Hopefully the developers will do what it takes to ensure that the safety of its users are maintained.
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