Peeple

In the news even before it launched, this people-rater drew controversy right from the start and with good reason. Unfortunately, it's not a joke, and this app -- whose tagline is "character is destiny" -- has serious potential for enabling unkind behavior. Though its website claims that it's meant to be a positive space, it's also meant as a recruitment tool and for "asset protection," which implies that you can use the app to steer clear of people with low ratings. Because those three-word profiles are too slim to be meaningful, the bulk of your profile comes from what other people say about you. Currently, no one can see posts about those not using the app or reviews you reject, but there are plans to launch a Truth License, which will reveal all reviews -- including unpublished ones -- to paying customers. In terms of how easy it is to use, the interface isn't especially intuitive: It's hard to tell whether you're searching your own contacts or searching all users. Privacy is also a concern, as the terms of service and privacy policy currently apply only to users in Canada, not the United States (it includes the language "you will always be subject to Canadian law"); you have to to opt in to delete your data when you deactivate your account; and your current location is tracked (unless you turn it off in your device settings). Because it's listed as being appropriate for users 21 and up, it's definitely not good for kids, and grown-ups might well steer clear, too.