Social Media
Is Hoop Safe? A Hoop App Review for Parents
Recommended Age
17 and up
Overview
Described as “Tinder meets Snapchat,” Hoop is a friendship and dating app for young people. If that sets off your parenting spidey sense, you’re definitely on the right track. The app allows kids as young as 12 to form connections with total strangers locally and from all across the world. Here’s everything you need to know about this potentially dangerous platform.
Here’s how it works: After you download the app, you link it to your Snapchat account. Then, you begin swiping on profiles (like you would on Tinder to find a date). You’re required to use in-app “diamonds” to request chats — and you’re only allowed to send 10 requests before needing to obtain more, which you have to pay for. Think of it like a gamified Tinder.
Harmful Content 😲
Any app that integrates with Snapchat means the potential for inappropriate content is very high — including sexual content, nudes, and more.
Predation 🚨
Even though the app claims that kids won’t ever be “matched” with adults, it’s easy enough for predators to lie about their age and create fake profiles. From there, conversations could jump to another platform like texting.
Positive Value 💙
Any positive value kids could get from making friends on this app is outweighed by its inappropriate content and threat of predation.
Privacy 🔒
Depending on whether your child’s Snapchat profile uses their real name, it could be possible for other users to identify them on the app.
Parental Controls ✅
Hoop has no parental controls options — the most you can do is block a user. There’s not even the option to have a private profile.
Fortunately, Bark can help. We’re here to help you keep your kid safe by allowing you to:
- Block Hoop entirely, if needed.
- Manage when your child can use Hoop throughout the day.
So, should my kid download it?
No, Hoop combines the sketchiness of Snapchat with the swipe culture of dating apps in a way that most kids are probably not ready for.
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