REUTERS/Michael Spooneybarger
With over a million apps available for iPhone and Android, there are bound to be a few that will turn heads and provide something to talk about.
Some of them are intentionally controversial, like Weed Farmer, a game that lets you simulate growing marijuana.
Others are controversial because of their unintended use by a small group of people. A clear example of this is the messaging app Telegram, which has recently come under fire for being the preferred chat app of ISIS.
There are other apps whose users have let the situation get out of control. You can see this with an app like Yik Yak, which acts as an anonymous bulletin board where anyone can post (within certain limits – no names, phone numbers, etc.). No doubt the developers knew there would be some really horrible posts on Yik Yak, but they may not have anticipated the enormous problem they would have with racist posts on college campuses.
From dating apps that only let you in if you’re rich to apps for viewing leaked information archives, tThese are the most controversial apps you can download today.
Telegram is ISIS’s most popular messaging app.
Telegram is a secure messaging app that sends messages that are fully encrypted, can self-destruct (like Snapchat), and are nearly impossible to spy on. This makes Telegram ideal for anyone who wants to hide their chats from the government – including ISIS, which has ordered its followers to use the app.
Price: Free (iOS, Android)
Yik Yak is an anonymous app used for cyberbullying.
Yik Yak is a popular anonymous bulletin board where people can post about what’s happening around them without fear of anyone finding out who they are. Of course, the app’s anonymity has led to abuse and cyberbullying, including a number of racist posts on college campuses.
Price: Free (iOS, Android)
The league is Tinder for “successful” people.
The League is a selective dating app that only grants access to certain users. Most of its users are wealthy or have attended Ivy League universities, and you only get access if the app’s algorithm decides you’re cool and successful enough.
Price: Free (iOS)
With 1Blocker you can block ads on your iPhone.
Ever since Apple decided to allow “ad blockers” on iPhones, there has been debate about whether they are ethical. These apps allow users to block advertisements in Apple’s mobile web browser. Opponents say this ability hurts users because these sites depend on advertising revenue to stay in business. Supporters, on the other hand, say the apps improve a fundamentally flawed mobile web experience.
Price: Free, with $2.99 “Pro” version (iOS)
Ashley Madison wants you to have an affair.
Ashley Madison encourages its married users to cheat and allows users to search for married people nearby who are also looking to flirt. Earlier this year, the site came under the national spotlight when 32 million of its accounts were compromised by hackers, leading to many awkward conversations between would-be cheaters and their spouses.
Price: Free (iOS, Android)
Wikileaks allows you to search leaked documents and files.
Apple has removed the Wikileaks app from the App Store, but you can download the app from Google Play (though it hasn’t been updated in years). The app lets you browse and delve into Wikileaks’ treasure trove of leaked documents.
Price: Free (Android)
Lulu encourages women to objectify men.
Lulu is an app that allows women to anonymously rate and objectify men without their consent. The app gives women the opportunity to rate men they know through Facebook on a scale of 1 to 10 and promotes hashtags like #Big Feet and #NapoleanComplex.
Price: Free (iOS, Android)
Luxy is a dating app for the 1%.
Luxy originally called itself “Tinder, minus the poor,” but now describes itself as an “online millionaires’ club” that’s “exclusive to the 1%.” You can swipe to find matches and even see if other users like the same fashion brands.
Price: Free (iOS, Android)
Weed Farmer is a game where you grow and harvest marijuana.
In Weed Farmer, you must run your own cannabis farm, grow and sell weed to become a successful marijuana farmer. The game reached the top of the App Store shortly after its release.
Price: $2.99 (iOS), $0.99 (Android)
SkinneePix makes you look slimmer.
SkinneePix is an app that edits your selfies to make you look slimmer. You can virtually lose 5, 10, or 15 pounds with just a few taps.
Price: Free (iOS, Android)
After School was removed from the App Store but has since returned.
After School is an app designed to give high school students a place to discuss things anonymously without fear of a teacher or parent finding out. The app was removed from the App Store after kids started using it to bully, but After School has since returned with new safety features.
Price: Free (iOS)
People use Whisper to post secrets anonymously.
Whisper is one of the most popular platforms where people can share gossip, secrets, and sometimes even news anonymously. You can also search for secrets posted in your area or at your school.
Price: Free (iOS, Android)
Tinder was the first app to popularize superficiality.
Tinder has paved the way for people to get to know each other based on looks alone. It used to only show you other users’ photos and first names, but now you can add your occupation and education. However, the core experience is still swiping left and right until you find a match who also finds you attractive.
Price: Free (iOS, Android)
This post is an update of a previous one by Steven Tweedie.
The post “The 13 most controversial apps you can download today — including ISIS’s favorite” first appeared on Business Insider.
