GroupMe
Share unlimited content, but watch for unfiltered Internet.
GroupMe
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this app.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that GroupMe is a messaging app that lets users send direct messages and group messages from mobile devices without message limits or fees. You can also use the app as a one-stop shop for interacting with your friends, from scheduling events to sending each other money. Its main claim to fame may be its emojis and open search for GIFs: There are tons, including lots that are available for in-app purchase. Unfortunately, some of these emojis feature more adult themes, such as cartoon liquor bottles and sexy characters. Searches for GIFs find scantily clad people, drug use, and violent images. Some users like GroupMe for its stealth potential, since on-screen notifications pop up without content, which is appealing to some kids. Since there's no way to delete past posts, there are also concerns about a user's control over content. Read the app's privacy policy to learn more about the types of information collected and shared.
Community Reviews
Mature content available
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Appropriate and safe for teens.
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What’s It About?
GROUPME is a messaging app that lets users keep in touch over Wi-Fi rather than over cellular data. To get started, you can log in with your email address, Facebook account, or Microsoft account. If you use your email address, you're required to provide a first and last name and then set a password. You're then asked whether you'd like to sync your contacts to the server, and you check a box to accept the app's terms of service and privacy policy. Next, verify your device's phone number via text message, and then you can get started creating groups and direct messages. In addition to these basic chat and messaging features, GroupMe features several sets of emojis for download, some of which are free while others are only available through in-app purchase. Users can also insert GIFs into messages and use an embedded Internet search to find the right one. You can also send photos and videos within the app, and you can create calendar events and share them with your contacts.
Is It Any Good?
Though this messenger is pretty appealing, it's not entirely original and only for older teens and adults. It's visually attractive, and it's great that you can share so much content so readily in direct messages and group chats. The emojis are pretty fun, too, and you can easily embed videos, GIFs, tweets, and images. The main hazard here might be the high level of connectivity: Like WhatsApp, GroupMe lets kids send and receive messages without limits, so there's no end to how many messages they send or how much they share. This can be great if the app is your main point of content for a limited group of family or friends, and it can be useful for groups who need to keep in touch for a particular task or around a particular activity. Still, the search results for GIFs, images, and videos are full of iffy stuff, and there's no way to filter results, so this isn't an option for everyone. Overall, this is a great way to keep in touch, but it's worth having ongoing conversations with your kids about what's OK to share digitally.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about limits: During what hours are kids allowed to text? How much screen time are they allowed?
Talk about the types of information that are best shared in text messages and what is best discussed in person. Let kids know that tone isn't always clear, and emojis can't fill in every blank.
There's lots to consider around rules for kids and their devices; think more about cell phone parenting with our guide here.
App Details
- Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Android
- Pricing structure: Free (with optional in-app purchases)
- Release date: March 9, 2016
- Category: Social Networking
- Publisher: Skype Communications S.a.r.I
- Version: 5.2.4
- Minimum software requirements: iOS 8.0 or later; Android version varies with device
- Last updated: September 9, 2021
Our Editors Recommend
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WeChat
Flexible network allows chat with strangers, shares locale.
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WhatsApp Messenger
Text, call, and chat with individuals and groups data-free.
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Snapchat
Send moments in photos, watch curated content; use wisely.
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Telegram Messenger
Versatile messaging platform for older teens and adults.
For kids who love social networking and safe chatting
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
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