FriendO

Learn about friends (and strangers) with wacky, wild Q&A.
Kids say
Based on 1 review
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FriendO
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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 FriendO is a free social networking app that lets users swap lifestyle questions with online friends. The app requires a valid phone number to register. Though the app store rates FriendO as 17+, the app's own terms state that users only need to be older than 13. Terms also state that kids between the ages of 13 and 18 must have parental permission, but the app contains no parental controls. Though users can't be anonymous, it's possible to enter fake names and fake email addresses during registration. The app contains a messaging system and allows users to search the entire user base and send friend requests to users they don't know. Read the app's privacy policy to see the kinds of information collected and shared.
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What’s It About?
FRIENDO rides the wave of adults-only social media apps that are—purposely or not—taking high schools by storm. Once users register with name, email, and phone number, they can search for friends by allowing the app access to their contact list. That done, they can play a never-ending turn-based game of "me trivia" with their friends, choosing questions from a wide array of categories such as "My Music," "My Passport," and "Would You Rather?" The goal is to get the top spot on your friends' leaderboards by answering questions about them correctly.
Is It Any Good?
In some ways, this is another ego-stroking app designed to attract today's online audiences, but with the ability to make contact with strangers and some racy questions, it's best for older teens. As shown by countless Facebook surveys, people love to find things out about themselves, even if it's done by answering a series of stupid questions. FriendO works along those lines by asking things like "What would you rather do? Eat a bowl of raisins or a bowl of hotdogs?"
Of course, as entertaining as FriendO might be, it does contain some questions and categories that are potentially unsavory for younger users (think potty humor and categories called "Flirty" and "[email protected]*k That"). Also, some parents (and teens) may not love the gamification of friendship in that you are somehow more of a true friend if you can answer the questions correctly. The app does attempt to prevent bullying and stalking by limiting profile information (granted, you're technically only supposed to play with people you already know), but the attempt is fairly feeble. Users aren't anonymous, but it's easy enough to create a fake identity. And though you're supposed to connect and play with friends, you can message and send questions to people who aren't on your friends list. Because of that -- and a lack of settings and controls -- it's best for teens who know how to stay safe and know that friendship isn't measured by an app.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about what's appropriate to ask friends and strangers. Should some subjects be avoided? How can you stay safe when interacting with people online?
Discuss your online identity. Is it ever OK to misrepresent yourself online?
Think about sharing personal information online. How much should you reveal about yourself?
App Details
- Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Android
- Pricing structure: Free
- Release date: September 17, 2017
- Category: Social Networking
- Topics: Friendship
- Publisher: FriendO
- Version: 0.4.12
- Minimum software requirements: iOS 9.0 or later; Android 4.1 and up
- Last updated: November 27, 2017
Our Editors Recommend
For kids who love social networking
Themes & Topics
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