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Lipsi Anonymous Messaging

Is the Lipsi App Safe?

A complete app review for awesome parents.

We do not believe the Lipsi app is safe for students to use. Lipsi is one of many anonymous apps that is popular with certain teens (similar to YOLO or Profoundly). The terms of use state that users must be 18 years of age and older to download and use the Lipsi app. Therefore, minors should not be using the app.

Lipsi App Review

 

What is the Lipsi Anonymous Messaging app?

Description: in their words, “Lipsi is more than just an anonymous app. It’s a platform that attracts the boldest who want to step out of their comfort zone. Meet new people in class, on campus, in a cafe…Honest thoughts. Real feedback. Always in control.”

According to a story written by he app was created by Mathew Segal, who told the Vancouver Sun that the idea for the app came after he kept running into a girl he was interested in, but lacked the courage to tell her.

Corporate website: https://lipsi.ca

Category: Lifestyle

APP Store rating: 17+ (anything anonymous probably should have a 17+ rating)


What do parents need to know about Lipsi?

The name says it all – ANONYMOUS. Once you’re signed in, the app will let you search other users within a 100-yard radius by name, then start a conversation with them anonymously. Others can do the same to you. What could possibly go wrong?

Some teens will open up and share tough stuff in the safety of anonymity. But, as an overall principle, we just don’t condone digital anonymity as a healthy, regular online behavior. Eventually, the temptation to get away with something inappropriate will become too much to overcome (although not an anonymous platform, Snapchat creates a similar “maybe I can get away with it” environment).

A reporter from Herald Mail Media created a test account.

If a young person does need to speak to someone anonymously, they should know about the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

How does Lipsi handle abusive comments? Throughout the sign-up process, the app makes it clear that harassment and abusive comments aren’t tolerated.  Anyone who is reported for sending abusive, threatening or racist comments will have their identity revealed, the app warns. The app also has a feature called “community review” where users can go through actual messages sent to people and decide whether or not they should be delivered.

Testing from one reporter found that for every harmless or mildly flirtatious message, there were at least three highly sexualized messages waiting for moderation in “community review.”

Lipsi easily integrates with Instagram, which draws teen interest. Instagram users can include a link to their Lipsi account in their Instagram profile, allowing other kids to leave anonymous feedback and comments, just like the disastrous marriage of Saraha and Snapchat in 2017 (Saraha is no longer in either app store). If your child has Instagram, look for Lipsi in their profile like this:

Lipsi App

The Lipsi minimum age = 18. In the app’s own introductory screens, it has a notification saying, “I certify that I am at least 18 years of age. Exit Lipsi immediately if you do not meet the age minimum requirement.” YET, when you watch the release video above, Lipsi clearly shows high school students using the app.

Users can erase Lipsi chat history. Not only is it anonymous, but users can quickly and easily erase all chat history. Again, Snapchat has shown us that anything that promotes digitally ephemeral content leads to an increase in risky behavior.


Lipsi app bottom line – Is it safe for your kids?

Anonymous messaging + the underdeveloped frontal cortex of most teenage brains is usually a bad idea. Then, add a social media platform like Instagram and the risks just go up. For adults who want to communicate without being known, that’s fine. We just don’t see many good reasons for a minor to use Lipsi.


Now what? Have you heard of Bark?

Are you interested in having greater insight into the social media platforms that your kids are using? Bark is one of the best platforms we’ve tested. If your kid is using social media, then they need Bark. We trust them and we think you should, too! [Bark now monitors Lipsi!]

Bark Parental Controls
[Click here or the logo above to learn more – free to begin!]

*There may be affiliate links throughout this post because we’ve tested and trust a small list of parental control solutions. Our work saves you time! If you decide that you agree with us, then we may earn a small commission, which does nothing to your price. Enjoy! Protect Young Eyes Logo

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