In an attempt to promote being ‘nicer online’, Facebook has recently acquired an app called ‘tbh’ (to be honest).
This is a free and anonymous app that is already in use by over 5 million users in the US on iOS devices but we predict it is only a matter of time before it hits the UK and becomes available on other devices.
The aim (according to Facebook) of the app is to “build a community and enable people to share in ways that bring us closer together”, meeting the emotional needs of users by creating positive (yet anonymous) experiences online.
Described on iTunes Preview as ‘The only anonymous app that creates positive vibes’
Users create positive questions which are then answered anonymously by the online communities that they belong to. Users can choose later ‘reveal’ their identity and their response. The idea is to try and increase positive interaction online and help people feel better. Users can create positively themed polls and vote on all kinds of topics from ‘Who has the best smile?’ to ‘who makes you laugh the most?’.
It is difficult to say how much of a positive impact this app will have on changing behaviour online but this could be the first step towards developers taking some responsibility for the content they create and promote online.
