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November 1st, 2019
Have you heard of the “next-gen social network” called MeWe? While the name is catchy, the social platform is still gaining users, and your friends, family, or teens might ask you to join. Available as a download and called the 2018 “One to Watch” on Tech Trends Report, MeWe tells users that it is #Not4Sale.
Indeed, the main focus of MeWe is privacy, but that doesn’t mean that using the social site is without risk. Predators, scammers, and bots abound on the app. Join us as we explore safety on MeWe and how to protect yourself, your kids, and your identity.
What is the MeWe App?
MeWe is another social media platform used by adults and teens. Available to use for persons age 16 and up, it is free to download and offers chat, posting, voice, and video calling. The only time you will have to pay on MeWe, to date, is if you want to send secret messages or purchase emojis.
Yes, on MeWe, you have the option of sending regular chat messages or “secret” messages. Chatting and chat groups are a big part of MeWe. However, the app’s primary intent is to distinguish itself and Facebook. MeWe will not share or target user data through data mining, nor does it have advertisements.
MeWe considers itself the anti-Facebook for keeping user information free from “tracking, spying, and scraping”. While Facebook is still popular with Gen X’ers, Baby Boomers, and some Millennials, many younger users have questioned Facebook since the Cambridge Analytica fiasco and deleted the app.
Is MeWe Safe?
While privacy is important and kudos to MeWe for recognizing a private tech company’s role in protecting user data, the app itself should not be used without caution. This is especially true when it comes to children and teens. Although users should be 16 or older, children may sneak on the app.
The privacy on MeWe seems designed to hide bad behavior on the part of questionable users. Similar to Snapchat, users can share images that disappear, chat in groups, or share separate profiles for different people to see. Since MeWe encourages users to be, primarily, raw and real, some users take that to an extreme.
While you can make your profile private, if you or your child join a chat group, know that you will see unrestricted content from many users. You may see naked photo requests or sexual chat. This can continue unless you block or leave the chat group.
Since users can create different profiles for different people to see, it can be easier to hide concerning behavior from parents, friends, employers, or others. Bots, scammers, and spammers will gravitate to the unrestricted content, and predators will pursue younger users.
How to Stay Safe on MeWe
- Make your profile private.
- Don’t share personal information in chat groups. Beware of any requests for your banking or private details (DOB, SSN, DL), which could be used for identity theft.
- Do a reverse search on anyone you meet on the app.
- Never agree to send money to a stranger, even if they seem nice online. Requests for money are scams!
- Overseas scammers frequently run romance scams and pretend to be military members looking for love. Don’t use the site for dating or trust anyone you haven’t met in person.
For Parents
- Ask to see your teen’s MeWe app.
- Review any different profiles they are using.
- Make their accounts private.
- Don’t let them use a chatroom since they have unrestricted content.
- Remind them to never share their data (address, school, etc.) with anyone they don’t know. Investigate concerning users at Social Catfish.
While those interested in privacy may enjoy the app, take time to get to know the safety settings, and keep your account private. If you are harassed or bulled on MeWe, report the experience and take action by contacting the police if you feel threatened.
Scammers and catfish will look for victims in chat rooms, so beware of anyone you meet online. If you’re ready to find out who is talking to you or your teen on MeWe, you can search image, name, email address, phone number, or username at Social Catfish. Stop wondering and stop scammers in their tracks, with Social Catfish!
