A Kinder, Gentler Social App Hits Bedford
TBH markets itself an app that allows for teens to share comments while avoiding negativity
Every year there is a new trend on social media. Whether it is Instagram, Snapchat, or Facebook, theses apps tend to play a big role in teenagers’ lives.
The TBH app, also knows as To Be Honest, is different from these other apps. With this app a user can interact with others through the questions he or she is asked. Unlike the anonymous apps “Sarahah” and “Yik Yak,” which allows others to comment any anonymous thoughts they have about people, the “TBH” app generates positive questions for the viewers to answer.
TBH was originally created in 2013 and made by the team behind “Fantasy Shoppe.” It is currently the most popular free app in the Apple Store. “We built TBH because we believe that social networks should make us feel better about ourselves — not worse,” wrote the creators of the app.
How this app works is that a user’s name can be picked for a category, and no one will ever know that vote came from that person. Say the category was “Can count on them for anything.” There would be four names to choose from, and based on what on you think of each of them, you pick one name that is suitable for that category.
According to NYmagazine.com, two million daily users visit the popular app each day.
Guidance counselor Mrs. Sarah Harding, who often must deal with the fallout of negative comments and hurt feelings made over social media, sees TBH as better than other apps, but urges caution.
“The app does seem positive, but the problem is it is risky for a certain age. With middle school students overusing the app, that is where they are getting their self-esteem from. They will rely on this app for information about themselves,” said Mrs. Harding.
Eighth grader Charley Guthartz shared her opinion about the anonymous app. “This app really makes you happy on a sad day. Whenever I look on the app, I am always smiling.”
“The TBH app makes me feel great about myself because I have received so many compliments. There are only good things people can say, and it boosts my self confidence,” said eighth grader Amanda Rowan.