What is the Look App? A Guide for Parents
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What is the Look app?
- Users can send each other video messages, texts, emojis, or GIFs
- On the Look app, users can chat one-on-one, in groups, or subgroups
- Other features allow users to draw on their videos and add filters or text to their videos
- Users can also send each other polls
- There is no limit to how many messages a user can send or how big a group chat can be
- Look is an app that was rebranded and formerly known as Sochat. In addition to all of the features the Look app offers, Sochat encouraged users to chat with strangers nearby without needing their phone number
Why should parents care?
- In the past, Look App used a method that will send text messages to user’s contacts saying the user invited them to join the app. This has been reported as feeling spammy by some users
- Some users have reported that it can be difficult to delete your Look account and that it’s easy for strangers to message you on the app
- Since activity from the Look app doesn’t show up on their parents’ phone bill, some students use the app to hide their phone activity
- Apps that make it easy to hide negative behavior from parents can encourage bullying
- There are no filters on the app, so students can come across inappropriate content
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Become a member or log in to view this course
Superintendents, Directors and Principals: Request a partnership on this page to unlock our resources for your whole community.
This is great info, thanks for giving me some ideas on how to start a dialogue with my teen!
Sharon M.
Parent VIP Member
Josh's presentation about social media was unbelievably fantastic. Our students learned so much about what kids should and shouldn't be doing. The fact that it is such a thoughtful process made it all worthwhile.
Director of College Advising
Educator Webinar Attendee
This webinar is a very helpful eye-opener on the apps that are popular with my students.
Irene C.
Educator Webinar Attendee
This app is listed in the SmartSocial.com Green Zone.
This app is not safe for students to use unsupervised, but a Green Zone app can serve a positive purpose to help a student to navigate social media and someday build an online brand. Read more below to find out why this app is in the Green Zone.
This app is listed in the SmartSocial.com Gray Zone.
Gray Zone apps often contain lots of private & disappearing messages, and strangers can use this to chat with students. Parents should participate in these apps with students to keep them safe. This zone can be a great place for family time since many of these apps can be entertaining, and let your students express themselves. Read more below to find out why this app is in the Gray Zone.
This app is listed in the SmartSocial.com Red Zone.
Red Zone apps often have lots of anonymous features, adult content, and easy contact with strangers. Supervision is strongly suggested on each of these apps or move your kids to a safer zone. All apps require parental supervision, these apps more than others. Read more below to find out why this app is in the Red Zone or view our list of 100+ Apps to find a safer app with your student.
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This trend is categorized as a Dangerous Social Media Challenge.
Viral challenges encourage students to do dangerous things to garner likes, views, attention, and subscribers. These challenges can be found across several social networks and may encourage students to perform dangerous activities. SmartSocial.com keeps parents updated on these social media challenges before an incident may occur in your community.
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Table of Contents
The Look app is a free messaging app that combines live video with text messaging.
Parent & educator training video
What is the Look app?
- Users can send each other video messages, texts, emojis, or GIFs
- On the Look app, users can chat one-on-one, in groups, or subgroups
- Other features allow users to draw on their videos and add filters or text to their videos
- Users can also send each other polls
- There is no limit to how many messages a user can send or how big a group chat can be
- Look is an app that was rebranded and formerly known as Sochat. In addition to all of the features the Look app offers, Sochat encouraged users to chat with strangers nearby without needing their phone number
Why should parents care?
- In the past, Look App used a method that will send text messages to user’s contacts saying the user invited them to join the app. This has been reported as feeling spammy by some users
- Some users have reported that it can be difficult to delete your Look account and that it’s easy for strangers to message you on the app
- Since activity from the Look app doesn’t show up on their parents’ phone bill, some students use the app to hide their phone activity
- Apps that make it easy to hide negative behavior from parents can encourage bullying
- There are no filters on the app, so students can come across inappropriate content
What users say about the Look app
App spams everyone in your phone book if you give it permissions. No easy way to opt out of sending everyone an invite. –Scott L.
I don't like the app so I’ve tried to delete my account but it doesn't let me even go to the support area for help. –Allyson M.
Source: Google Play Store
What can parents do?
- Before giving them access to a mobile device, set limits on how much your teen can use texting/messaging apps to connect with their friends
- Discuss who your student can message and who your student can’t message
- When you’re ready for your teen to have access to messaging apps, check out our Parent App Guide page and encourage your student to use the messaging apps in our Gray Zone or Green Zone
- Consider creating a Family Cell Phone Contract before giving your student access to a mobile device
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