22/08/2017
YELLOW
This is an app that is designed to help users “find new friends on Snapchat.” Yellow’s App age rating is 17+. The App Store age rating is simply a guideline—it doesn’t prevent anyone with a Snapchat account, no matter how old they are, from downloading Yellow and using it. (we will talk about those age ratings at a later date)
Here’s how it works: You download the app from the App Store (there’s also an android version on Google Play). Yellow asks for your phone number, then you're texted an access code to enter.
You’re asked for your Snapchat Username and then four questions:
What’s your name?
What’s your birthdate? (oh yeah, you don't have to be 17 to get this app-- don't even have to lie)
Are you a boy or a girl?
Are you looking for boys, girls, or both?
Then, you are asked to upload a selfie. Then the app asks if you want to meet people nearby.
Immediately photos began to appear—other users who you can become “friends” with---You swipe right on the images you like, and left on the ones that you don't. If someone you’ve right-swiped also right-swipes you… well, then you are now "friends" on Yellow and the app offers up your Snapchat Username to your new friend and vice versa.
PROBLEMS!
--Says it’s for people age 17 and over, but then puts absolutely no barriers in place to prevent kids way younger than 17 from using it. Kids don’t even have to lie and say they’re 17.
• Says it’s for “long-distance” flirting—but then only works if you agree to share your location with the app (and then your hometown is prominently featured under your name and age everywhere on the app). The app also connects you almost exclusively with people very nearby.
