The last few years have seen a surge of social apps that let users post publicly without using their real names. These are called anonymous social networks, and they’ve caught the attention of plugged-in techies and venture capitalists.

But while anonymity may sound attractive to some people, it’s not always a good idea. There are several dangers to unhindered online anonymity, including the potential for trolls and bullying.

Whisper

Whisper is a secret-sharing app that allows users to post anonymous messages overlaid over photos. It also lets users chat in groups and privately.

The app aims to be a "safe place on the Internet" and it's been growing in popularity. According to a report, 250 million people view stories and videos on the platform each month.

Despite its claims, the app does collect data from users. This includes their geolocation, which is legal to do unless they opt out.

However, a report in The Guardian revealed that the app allowed its user data to remain publicly available on the internet, exposing 900 million records since 2012. These included user names, nicknames, age, gender and posts, as well as location information that was tied to these posts.

Neetzan Zimmerman, editor-in-chief of Whisper, has responded to the Guardian report saying that the company does not use private information for research purposes and it shares this information with law enforcement when it is legally required.

Sarahah

Sarahah is a free app that lets anyone send messages to others in their contact list without having to reveal their identity. Launched last year, it quickly hit popularity because it allows people to anonymously share feedback.

However, like all anonymous social media apps, it has also been a breeding ground for cyberbullying. It's important that adults talk to their kids about the risks of using Sarahah or other similar anonymous social media apps, and make sure they understand that it is not ok to bully someone online.

Originally, the app was designed in the Middle East for co-workers to anonymously give each other feedback. Since it launched, it's become popular with teens worldwide. It's partnered with Snapchat, which introduced a linking feature earlier this year to encourage users to share links from their Sarahah profiles to their Stories and snaps.

Yik Yak

Yik Yak is a location-based social media app, which allows users to post messages anonymously. As a result, it has been used to spread hate speech and cyberbullying.

The app has a community guardrails feature, which removes or reports posts that are reported by users. It also monitors conversations and takes action on negative or harmful posts almost immediately, according to Yik Yak's website.

This comes in addition to a downvote system that can be used to prevent sexist, racist or violent content from getting on the app in the first place. It also has a one-strike policy that will ban the user from the app if it is determined the violation is serious.

But while Yik Yak has come a long way from its early days, it still remains a risky tool for students to use. The app’s lack of accountability can lead to threats and harassment on campus.

Friend Shoulder

Friend Shoulder is an app that lets you let off steam and talk to friends around the world without having to reveal your identity. The site also features a few fun and interactive features like polls, games and virtual gifts.

It’s an easy app to download and install, as long as you have a device with an Android operating system. Just search for the app in Google Play, and then tap on it to begin the installation process.

Friend Shoulder is one of the best anonymous social media apps around. It lets you vent in a big way, make new friends, and even create a virtual diary to help you cope with whatever life throws your way. The apk is free to download, and it can be used on devices with an operating system ranging from Android 4.3+ to 6.0+. The most impressive part about Friend Shoulder is that it’s a real-life social networking application, and not just another text chat app. Click here to read more about Best Anonymous Social Media Apps 2023.