For the past week, the anonymous app Yolo is at the top of the download charts. Why is the success of this app worrying? Is an app that claims to be anonymous, even if developed with good intentions, a good idea? How can we prevent it from being misused?
What is Yolo?
Yolo, “You Only Live Once”, (in English “You only live once”) is a companion app to Snapchat. In other words, it is used with the Snapchat app and allows you to’send anonymous messages on the social network via stories.
This means that anonymous users can send you messages, leaving you the choice of whether or not to reply.
Why is this worrying?
Even if developed without malicious intent, a so-called anonymous application can facilitate the dissemination of hate speech and encourage cyberbullying.
In recent years, there has been a succession of apps of this type: ask.fr, curious cat, secret and Saraha, which often close down after a few months due to numerous abuses. The moderators of these platforms suddenly find themselves faced with a flood of inappropriate, hateful and harassing messages that they are unable to control.
“Behind a screen, teenagers sometimes allow themselves to cross boundaries. Being able to express themselves while hidden behind the application frees them up and encourages uninhibited behaviour that can lead to harassment,” explains Samuel Comblez, psychologist and director of operations at the e-Enfance association. .
Our advice: discuss it with your family.
Parents, discuss this with your children. in order to make them aware of the potential dangers of anonymity on this app. Teach them to ask themselves whether they would say the same things in person that they dare to write on the internet. If not, the comment should not be sent!
Teenagers, spread the word especially if you encounter a situation that you find unacceptable
If you require assistance, please contact our national freephone number. 3018. Our team offers support and assistance in reporting cyberbullying tailored to minors who are victims of cyberbullying.
