I just got finished reading a blog called, “Do apps make us sociopaths?” Now I’m reading and hearing about apps where you can text anyone about anything without revealing your identity.
Now, investors are debating the the ethics behind such apps. Recently, thanks to negative mainstream criticism, a highly public resignation, and even violent threats, investors are being really careful. Netscape founder Marc Andreessen addressed the issue. “Investors make choices every day…Many that don’t get funded that would make [money] but aren’t ethical, moral and/or legal.” Note he didn’t call out any app names. But CEOs of apps like Whisper and Secret have responded, citing the positive aspects of their products. They say these apps can protect the messenger.
From that point of view, I can see where Whisper and Secret are coming from. There could be a situation where threats of retaliation are very real, similar to a crime hotline. But I can’t help but look at it the other way. In today’s world, you can trash, bully, or even threaten someone while remaining anonymous. Think of how many lives have been ruined because of negative anonymous posting. Think of how many people have been literally killed or committed suicide because of this disturbing trend. It’s not the technology that’s killing and destroying. It’s what’s in that person’s heart. It’s easy for people my age and older to say, “Well back in the day, we didn’t…” The reason we didn’t is only because we didn’t have the tools to do so. So I have to side with Andreessen on this one. Not because the technology itself is dangerous, but I think we’ve proven we can’t handle the technology. But what do you think? Are anonymous apps ethical?