Some people have pointed out an emerging trend for apps to try to connect people in ways that are more like how we connect in real life. Real life doesn't store our data forever. Real life doesn't allow us to choose the perfect illuminating filter to enhance the sunset in our Instagram photo. The founders of Snapchat said their app was designed to mimic real conversations, when moments are fleeting and uneditable. Now, several more apps have popped up that are built on the same logic. But how real-life are they really?
An app called Secret allows you to post your deepest, and sometimes darkest, thoughts anonymously to your friends (it uses your phone contacts). The app's tagline is "speak freely," and it describes itself as a place where you can openly share thoughts with your friends without judgment. Some people post about depression and addiction. Others share beautiful moments caught on camera, all without the "bragging" that comes from associating posts with your profile. A similar predecessor to Secret, called Whisper, is based on the same concept but shares posts with everyone, not just your contacts. A few recent posts from Whisper's home page read:
"Waiting for you is like waiting for rain in this drought, disappointing."
"I have to mentally, physically and emotionally stop myself from texting you every day."
"19 years old and about to start the process of adopting my baby brother."
These "whispers" generate thousands of "likes" and hundreds of comments from other anonymous users offering sympathy and advice.
I'd never heard of these apps until now, but I have a problem with the notion that they might somehow more closely mirror "real life." Why would I need a platform for anonymously sharing sad thoughts with my friends? If I was upset about something personal, I'd find a lot more comfort in having face-to-face, real-life (and not anonymous) conversations with them. Scrolling through Whisper's home page was honestly a little depressing. I can't help but think that people are seeking solace online because they lack meaningful connections with friends they can trust.
Sure, when we use social media like Instagram and Twitter we may overly care about our online "persona," tweaking details of our life to make them more attractive. But at least with these apps we're held accountable to the content we post, which creates platforms for people to learn from and interact with each other. Any time websites are founded on anonymity, you tear down the incentive for meaningful engagement. In real life, we are tied to our actions. I don't think there is anything "real-life" about Secret or Whisper. Just like the things we do and say, the things we post online are an extension of ourselves and our thoughts, even if they're a little bit filtered.
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