In recent days, a novel mobile application named “PeopleRate” has garnered significant attention online. This service, described as a “Yelp for humans,” enables users to create profiles for acquaintances and assign reviews and star ratings without obtaining consent from those being rated.
The app boasts a disturbingly straightforward interface. Individuals who are at least 21 years old, possess a phone number, and have had a Facebook account for over six months can easily register. Once an account is set up, users can generate profiles for anyone they know using phone numbers, leave reviews about their character, recount positive and negative experiences, and assign a rating between one to five stars regarding their morality.
For profiles that are not claimed by the individual, only positive reviews will be visible, which raises ethical concerns about the ability of anyone to utilize personal data to create these profiles. Moreover, the freedom to post virtually any comment about someone raises significant risks. Although users can challenge biased negative reviews via private messaging or by commenting, there is no option to eliminate any feedback.
The creators of PeopleRate, Mark Thompson and Lisa Greene, appear to misunderstand the potential dangers of their application. They have characterized it as a “positivity tool,” asserting that it could enhance networking opportunities. Greene, a mother of two, even mentioned her desire for a resource to help her determine whom to trust with her children. However, the reality is that individuals who post harmful comments, such as “Sarah is a criminal,” could face serious legal repercussions for defamation.
Since the app’s announcement, online users have been vocal about its many shortcomings. Critics argue that it may prevent individuals from escaping past mistakes or negative interactions. Additionally, it provides a platform for bullies, stalkers, and those with personal grudges to invade privacy and damage reputations. The consensus among observers is that PeopleRate is fundamentally flawed.
Interestingly, the app’s creators seem to be taken aback by the backlash, scrambling to address the negative feedback. Despite their efforts to rebrand the service, the core issue remains: human beings are not commodities, and an application that allows for the objectification of individuals ultimately serves no beneficial purpose. It poses a threat to privacy, invites bullying, and taps into the less admirable aspects of human behavior. In summary, PeopleRate is a misguided concept, deserving of zero stars.
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In conclusion, PeopleRate raises significant ethical concerns regarding privacy and the potential for harm, reflecting a troubling trend towards the commodification of personal relationships.