Being a teen is great because it means new privileges, but not all privileges are good privileges! There are certain apps teenagers shouldn't download, either because they're dangerous, too mature, or simply a distraction from schoolwork! Although you should have fun using social media and enjoying the innovations of this generation, if you're a teen, make sure you don't download these apps.
1. Yik Yak
Yik Yak is really more of a college app, so it isn't one teenagers should be downloading anyway. However, when teens do download this app, they tend to use it for evil, not for good. Yik Yak is an app like twitter, only local and anonymous. You can see "yaks" from around the globe, but only comment on "yaks" within a 5-mile radius of your location. Many teenagers use Yik Yak to bully other students from their school, gossip, and simply talk about mature topics in a vulgar manner. This app is an unhealthy distraction from schoolwork as well as a medium for bullying-definitely not something you should be spending your time on!
2. Ask.fm
Ask.fm is another popular location for cyber bullying. On ask.fm, you can ask anonymous questions on someone's profile. But instead of using this to ask about homework or make casual conversation, many people use it to verbally harass others. If you have an account, you may be bullied. Even if no one bullies you, you'll read rumors about your peers and maybe even be tempted to join in on the bullying.
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3. Snapchat
My biggest issue with Snapchat is that it's a huge distraction! On Snapchat, you can send 10 second photos or videos to your friends as well as watch others'. It sounds harmless, but you might get addicted and find yourself snapchatting everything from your breakfast in the morning to you brushing your teeth at night! Not only is it a waste of time, Snapchat may also lead to unwanted "sexting" when someone takes a snapersation too far!
4. Whisper
Whisper allows you to create virtual, anonymous greeting card-type messages. In a way, it's a great place to vent and whisper your secrets to the world. But, as we've learned with Ask.fm and Yik Yak, anonymous+teens= big mistake! People can reply to your anonymous postings, and there's no telling what sort of awful things they'll come up with!
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5. Kik Messenger
The danger with Kik begins with a lack of privacy. Many teens post their "kikme" names on social media, then, essentially, anyone can "kik" you, and you might begin getting creepy or threatening messages from strangers. Kik isn't too bad if you keep your username private, but in my opinion, it's always better to be safe than sorry!
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6. Tinder
Tinder might be known as dating for the new generation. On Tinder, if you like someone's picture, and they like yours too, a conversation opens between you. There are more than a few flaws with this app. For starters, it makes it seem like relationships are based solely on physical appearance instead of intellect and personality. Secondly, the person you start a conversation with may be vulgar, rude, pushy, or violent. Also, Tinder's main purpose has become hooking up, rather than dating, which can lead to dangerous situations if you're just looking for a date and he's looking for something else.
7. Vine
Vine is generally harmless, because it is pretty well-regulated, although there is always a chance of you seeing an inappropriate video. Vine is an app that streams short, usually comical videos. The biggest danger here is simply that it's time-consuming! You'd be surprised by how difficult it is to stop watching a bunch of LOL-worthy videos!
Don't get me wrong, I don't recommend swearing off of social media entirely! But, as a teenage girl, there are certain apps you should avoid, either for safety reasons, time reasons, or both! What other apps should be adults-only?
Comments
Courtné: While I do feel some of these are a god idea to stay away from I think some more information needs to be given in order to fully understand this article. What ages are actually classified as teens. I'm 17 years old and have snapchat and vine and do not see a problem with either. I have had both for over a year(close to 2) and have never received, sent, or saw an inappropriate picture or video. I think weather or not a person should have these apps all depends on their morals, and maturity level. A lot of my friends have had the yik yak app and it was very popular in our school for a week or two. It stared off as innocent fun, but soon turned into a place where people went to say nasty and mean things about other people. Luckily after a day of that happening everyone realized what was going on and you don't hear about it anymore. That was without any complaints being made to the school and teenagers figuring out on their own the right thing to do. I think what apps teens are "allowed" to get depends highly on the maturity and moral value of the teen. While I do feel a 13 year old should not have a lot of the mentioned apps if they are mature and have a good sense of morals and what kind if things are okay to do then I don't have as much of a problem. I do see where the author is coming from though because even though a 13 year old might be as mature as an 18 year old there are plenty of other teens and adults who are not. On the topic of the apps being a time waster I ABSOLUTELY agree. I find myself wasting so much time on my phone going out on all my apps. I know the importance of managing time and I still waste it by going on my apps when I should be doing something else. As I write this comment I have a computer sitting in front of me that has the homework opened up on it that I have to do for tomorrow. I've been working in this one assignment for 2 hours now I could have been done over half an hour ago if I wouldn't have gone on my phone. That had to be of this comment because I do need to get back to my work 😁😉😋 wish me luck I have a lot of projects/ homework due tomorrow. Love this app though, it is one of my favorites and a great time waster 😉
Sarah: Teenagers are not babies. Jesus..
Tygr: Okay this is taking it a little to far. They aren't kids they are young adults if they aren't responsible enough to handle a phone they shouldn't have one at all
Chris: I like snap chat ❤️
Sidra: Are you serious?
The: To be honest, I hate Kik. I checked it about once a week and I would always get messages from some random perv. There are better free texting apps, like WhatsApp.
KarahD: Innocent looking messages, and dirty ones. She ended up being tracked and blackmailed to do things she didn't want to... I DO NOT RECOMMEND KIK
Misty: My girls have snapchat and vine and I hardly see anything wrong with it. I am confident in my parenting skills to trust my girls, they are good girls. I'm not sure what these other apps are but this comes down to parenting and teaching your kids right from wrong and Internet safety.
Demi: It really depends on the teen, kik isn't bad because it just another social networking like Facebook, tinder I get where you're coming from but unless the teen is a very flirty and simple teen then you shouldn't have to worry.
Cindy: Tell it like it is, teenagers still need to be protected.
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