The Profoundly app is an anonymous feedback and messaging app that works with Facebook so that users can post questions to their Stories and receive anonymous feedback. It is being compared to Ask.fm, Whisper, and Sarahah – apps which have been criticized for promoting bullying.

Parent & educator training video

What is the Profoundly app?

• Profoundly is an anonymous feedback and messaging app (Similar to Yolo, Lipsi, Sarahah, Afterschool, Whisper, and Ask.fm)
• The Profoundly app works with Facebook so that users can post questions to their Stories and receive anonymous feedback
• Additionally, users can send anonymous messages to their Facebook friends using the Profoundly app
• Users must be friends on Facebook to send messages. If a user has blocked someone on Facebook then they cannot receive messages or feedback from that person
• When using the app, users can choose to post an anonymous Story for their Facebook friends to see, or message their friends privately and anonymously
• While the Profoundly app is marketed as an anonymous app, it relies on Facebook to work which makes it really easy for students to use

Why should parents care?

• Anonymous apps do not help students build a positive digital footprint
• In our experience, when students feel like they can remain anonymous, they tend to behave negatively
• Any app that encourages “confessions” is a red flag for bullying behaviors
• The app is designed for students 17+ but there is no age verification when signing up for the app, so it is very easy for younger students to use the Profoundly app
• It is being compared to Ask.fm, Whisper, and Sarahah – apps which have been criticized for promoting bullying

The Profoundly app in the news

Profoundly was the #3 app, behind just YOLO and Snapchat in the entire English-speaking Apple App Store. Even if Profoundly’s fame is short lived, that alone is an achievement that millions of apps will never claim.

–Protect Young Eyes

Profoundly.me is a Facebook app that lets your friends send you messages. While they can reveal their names, more often you should expect plenty of anonymous messages. This can easily turn creepy… There have been a few rumors that there are chrome extensions or websites that can reveal the names of the folks sending you anonymous questions or comments.

–Techno Buffalo

What can parents do?

• If your student has the Profoundly app, discuss the dangers of using anonymous apps and encourage them to delete it
• Remind your children that their Facebook account is a part of their digital footprint that colleges and future employers will search for during the application process
• Instead of relying on anonymous feedback from strangers, encourage your children to reach out to their friends and family who love and support them instead
• Create a family cell phone contract that outlines what apps can be downloaded and how your children can request permission to download new apps
• Follow our suggestions to help your child prepare for the responsibility of being on social media:
• Ages 0-13: Private
• Ages 13: Have a family discussion regarding what should be on social media
• Age 13-14: Build a private portfolio and post positive volunteer photos (and accomplishments/projects) online
• Age 15: Make your portfolio public as a website that helps the students shine online
• Age 17: Colleges should be able to find a positive online footprint for your student

Next steps to protect your family

• Schedule a free strategy session
• We build a screen time spreadsheet with your family
• Private portfolio helping your student to have a purpose online
• Give you a big button to press when you are ready to make that portfolio public
• This improves Google search results for colleges & internships

Conclusion

In our experience, when students feel like they can remain anonymous, they tend to behave negatively. If your student has the Profoundly app, discuss the dangers of using anonymous apps and encourage them to delete it. Then, remind your children that their Facebook account is a part of their digital footprint that colleges and future employers will search for during the application process.