Originally American phenomena, the Sarahah and Tbh apps have been available on French screens for several weeks now. They are among the top apps in app stores and are also hugely popular with teenagers, who are big fans.
What are the promises and potential pitfalls of these «anonymous» apps?
Honesty as a baseline
Sarahah, which means «honesty» or «candour» in Arabic, and TBH, short for To Be Honest, are two anonymous messaging apps that were initially popular among young Americans. While TBH and its 3 million users clearly promote a concept of «positive» and «kind» anonymous messaging, what about Sarahah and its 95 million subscribers?
Sarahah was originally created for internal use within companies and was intended to give employees a way to give «honest» feedback about their line managers. Teenagers, attracted by the idea of anonymity, quickly took to the app, sharing links on their Snapchat accounts to collect anonymous feedback about their «friends».
Why should we be vigilant?
This isn't the first anonymous messaging app to be launched. We are aware of these apps and have already warned young internet users about their potential dangers. «Gossip», «Secret», «Curious Cat» or « ask.fm »Sending anonymous messages often leads to situations of harassment and cyberbullying.
Hidden behind their screens, teenagers feel free to let loose and often use these personal questionnaires to express things they would not dare say face to face or under a visible profile. Anonymity on the internet encourages uninhibited behaviour, which can sometimes be malicious and harassing.
The e-Enfance Association remains vigilant about the potential pitfalls of these new applications. For parents, the key is to discuss these new messaging services with your children. Are they familiar with them? What do they think about them? Do they know anyone who uses them?
