If you’ve been scrolling through your social feeds lately, you’ve likely stumbled upon a controversial new app called Peeple. Marketed as “Yelp for humans,” this platform enables users to create profiles for anyone they know and leave reviews and ratings without their knowledge or consent.
The Concept
The concept is alarmingly straightforward. If you’re over 21, have a valid phone number, and have been on Facebook for over six months, you can easily sign up. After registration, you can generate profiles for virtually anyone by using their phone numbers, sharing your experiences, and assigning them a rating from one to five stars based on their character. Initially, only positive reviews will be visible on your profile until you claim it, but the ability for anyone to use your personal information to create a profile is concerning. Even more alarming is the freedom users have to express anything they wish about you, leading to potential biases and harmful comments. While you can dispute negative reviews via private messaging or by commenting, there’s no way to remove any content once it’s posted.
The Creators’ Perspective
Creators, Emily Stokes and Lisa Grant, appear to be oblivious to the potential dangers of their innovation. They describe Peeple as a “positivity platform,” aiming to enhance networking opportunities. Stokes, a mother of three, even commented that in today’s world where neighbors often remain strangers, she wanted a way to identify trustworthy individuals for her children. However, the risk of someone maliciously labeling another as “untrustworthy” could lead to serious legal issues.
Public Backlash
Since the app’s announcement, many internet users have expressed their disapproval, highlighting that it can haunt people indefinitely, potentially tarnishing reputations over minor past mistakes or misunderstandings. Critics argue that it offers a venue for bullies, stalkers, and individuals with personal grudges to invade privacy and disrupt lives. The consensus is clear: Peeple is a misguided concept that reduces human beings to mere ratings.
Response to Criticism
Interestingly, Stokes and Grant seem taken aback by the backlash, scrambling to find ways to mitigate the negative feedback. Regardless of how they try to position it, the fact remains that we are not restaurants, and this app that encourages treating people as products is deeply problematic. It won’t safeguard your children or facilitate genuine connections; instead, it’s a dangerous playground for gossip and character attacks that can never be erased. In short, Peeple is a disaster waiting to happen. Zero stars.
Further Reading
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In summary, the launch of Peeple has raised significant concerns surrounding privacy, bullying, and the potential for misuse, all while masquerading as a tool for positivity and connection.
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