MeetMe ( Rated 17+, Social Networking)
MeetMe is a popular social networking app that does exactly what it says. It lets users find, chat, and meet with new people. It was previously known as the myYearbook app. The app is available on both iOS and Android platforms.
A registered user can easily upload profile pictures, visit others’ profiles, check their profile pictures, and chat with other MeetMe members. Users can browse the newsfeed of other nearby users, similar to the newsfeed you see on Facebook.
What Makes The MeetMe App So Popular Among Teens?
With MeetMe, as a user, you may post your images and provide as much or as little information about yourself as you want. You can indicate what you’re searching for new friends, hookups, romances, or something else. Profiles on MeetMe contain all the typical features of standard dating apps.
What should parents know about The app?
It’s A Typical Dating App
Without a doubt, MeetMe is a dating app, but its true goal is to connect users for online hookups (its sister app is Skout, a well-known flirting app for both teens and adults.)
You are asked to pick whether you are using the app for “friends” or “dating” as part of the signup process, and the app builds its user experience around your choices. Many actions for those who choose dating intentions become available towards other profiles like “Rate Me” or “Romance.”
High Risk Of Predator Contact
More than 100 million people are using this application. That means there are bound to be people lurking around the community with bad intentions. In 2015, the application was positioned as one of the top 6 adult dating apps teenagers use.
Geolocating Capabilities
The MeetMe app connects its users based on geographic proximity, so, as you can understand, the risk of predators getting sensitive information about your teenager is a significant concern.
In-app purchases
A user may upgrade the account to Meet+ to get rid of ads. It will give users access to more photo options and more precise user filtering. Users of the MeetMe app are constantly prompted to buy MeetMe credits to enhance functionality.
Parental Controls
While not technically categorized as “parental controls,” users can limit the information other users can see in their profiles. The app has a privacy control option to keep the shape from the main navigation’s Meet stream of public user profiles.
Aside from these options, there are no other forms of safety monitoring for the MeetMe app.
Potential Problems
Is it safe for teens?
MeetMe is an intriguing concept with some genuine risks for adolescents who use it, like most social media apps! Establishing specific rules is vital before letting your teens use this app. These rules must specify how you, as the parent, will keep tabs on your teen’s app usage, how often they are permitted to use their phone, and what information can be shared through the app.
Recommendations
Whether or not you are comfortable with your teenager entering the dating scene, I recommend you not let them utilize the MeetMe app. The convenience of finding nearby people quickly and easily does not outweigh the risk of them being seen by an online predator. The ability for people to lie about their age and appearance and communicate with your teenager makes for a possibly dangerous situation.
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