Sarahah is an app that, once downloaded, allows the user to send and receive anonymous messages through the use of a link. The link can be posted anywhere, and there is even a special setting on snapchat that allows it to be be pulled up when anyone swipes up on someone else’s snapchat story. These messages cannot be responded to directly, so if the user wants to respond, he or she must post a screenshot to a general setting (like a snapchat story) for all to view. It was created by a Saudi Arabian developer called Zain al-Abidin Tawfiq. He intended for it to be used in the workplace as a means to provide constructive criticism to other employees and executives. Their missions statement for the app says Sarahah allows user to “get honest feedback from your coworkers and friends” and to “discover your strengths and areas for improvement”. After becoming popular in the middle east, it took off rapidly in the UK and USA. Teens have been using it consistently to find out what their peers think of them, in addition to leaving messages for others. Some of the messages are positive: “You’re so great!” and “I love your hair!” Lots of people feel insecure and worry that people don’t like them, and this offers a chance for reassurance. If people feel as though they need an ego-boost, this could provide just that. After receiving such positive comments, users posted screenshots all over twitter and snapchat. Teens in our culture want to make sure that everyone else knows how great of a person they are, so they share it with the world. However, the app is known for the negativity brought about by many messages. While its creators intended it to be for constructive criticism and self-improvement, it has been taken in a different direction. People have received messages telling them to “drink bleach,” and that “no one likes you.” Cyberbullying is a problem more at the middle school and high school level, and this app makes it so much easier. It has horrible consequences, as it can lead to depression and even suicide. The fact that people can remain anonymous is the most crucial aspect of this app. Our culture loves to be mean, but usually will only do it from behind a computer screen. (Most) people would never say such things to someone in person, but because no one will ever know it was them, they take advantage of the opportunity. While people know of what can happen if they download the app, they do it anyways. If it seems as though everyone is using it and posting their responses, other people feel the need to fit in. Essentially, they jump on the “bandwagon” and join the trend. Our peers’ opinions are so important to us, so people go to extreme measures to make sure they are fit in, so as to not damage their image.
Similar apps, such as Yik Yak, went viral for the same reasons. The human desire to be well-liked by peers, to boost one’s ego, to have impunity in our actions, and to fit in all fuel the raging fire behind Sarahah’s popularity. With the dawn of social media, an entire generation has learned to communicate primarily through screens rather than face to face. Social media has also allowed us to “filter” what image of ourselves that we put out into the world. This subsequently means our view of others is also skewed. The feeling of having to live up to such high standards can be very harmful to long term self confidence, especially a problem for younger users. All of these factors are very telling of the culture we live in. Obviously, this is a desire to know what others really think about it, even at the risk of abuse. It also shows that we do not trust others to tell us the truth in real life. While none of this is to say that social media is bad, but simply there are issues that need to be acknowledged and addressed when necessary.
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