Common Sense Media Review
By Chris Morris
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Adult dating, set-up app for singles; thumbs down for teens.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 18+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Download
Videos and Photos
Ship - Dating made fun again
What's It About?
In SHIP - DATING MADE FUN AGAIN singles can search for love using the now common method of swiping left and right on photos, instantly deciding if they're attracted to someone, based on their appearance and the limited details given in profiles. (Ship users, at present, typically don't provide a lot of information about themselves) People who aren't single can scan the app and use it to suggest matches for their friends by joining their "crew." Groups of friends can also use the app to discuss possible matches with each other via chat.
Is It Any Good?
While the set-up feature for and community element is interesting, this dating app still isn't for teens. Ship - Dating made fun again combines the best parts of Tinder and other popular dating apps with a group element, letting married or attached people suggest matches for their single friends. It's an interesting twist on the dating app formula and one that might appeal to teens, who value the opinion of friends or may be too shy to "swipe right" themselves. The app, though, is definitely an adults only affair. User's ages are displayed with their picture, but it's easy to lie because there's no age verification process, so teens could feasibly use the app. Of course, meeting up with strangers is a parent's biggest concern around this type of app, and rightfully so. Additionally, early romantic experiences defined by looks-only apps probably isn't the best way for a teen to explore dating.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the risks involved with meeting a stranger from the Internet using an app like Ship - Dating made fun again. Online dating is a common way to meet people today, so if you decide to do it, how can you do it safely?
Talk about how people interact in real life vs. interacting online. Since a person's portrayal of themselves online can be very different from who they really are, what are some ways to separate fact from fiction?
App Details
- Device : iPhone
- Pricing structure : Free
- Release date : February 6, 2019
- Genre : Social Networking
- Publisher : Connect LLC
- Version : 1.0.6
- Minimum software requirements : iOS 11.0 or later
- Last updated : February 11, 2019
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