Sendit and the Rise of Anonymous Chats

By: Isabella Johnson,  Seasonal Public Relations Intern | Digital4Good

You may have come across this app the last time you opened up Snapchat. Sendit is an anonymous Q&A app that users will often use with Snapchat to ask for anonymous feedback on their Stories. 

With new apps like Sendit popping up every day, social media culture is rapidly evolving to promote constant connectivity among users. Sendit has gained an impressive amount of popularity in the past 6 years — but is it safe to use?

What Is Sendit?

Sendit is a Snapchat add-on app that allows users to ask questions and receive anonymous feedback. 

How Sendit Works

1. Connect Sendit to your Snapchat account.
2. Choose from the games that Sendit offers.
3. Snap a picture and add a prompt.
4. Receive anonymous feedback from followers.

Although the app is recommended for ages 17+, it is commonly used among 12-14 year olds. With a user base of over 250 million, it is important that Sendit users are aware of the app’s potential dangers.

Red Flags of Sendit

Cyberbullying & Harassment

Sendit has been used to send hateful and inappropriate content. The anonymity of the app makes it nearly impossible to identify the sender of a harmful message, allowing bullies to abuse the app with no accountability for their actions. 

No Identity Verification

Sendit lacks safety measures for verifying a user’s age and identity, which makes it easier for strangers to communicate with a user. Additionally, despite the age recommendation of 17+, the app does not have a minimum age requirement. 

Privacy Concerns

Sendit is largely based on anonymity, raising many concerns about data breaches, app security, and data risks. Users may be vulnerable to private data leaks.

Green Flags of Sendit

Mental Health Resources

The website offers a resource page for users, which lists the phone numbers of the Crisis Text Line, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, and the Anxiety and Depression Association of America.

Reporting

Users can report abuse via live chat on the company website. If a team member is not available, you can leave a message to report an incident and receive a reply in a few hours.

Instant Connection

Sendit is one of many social platforms that aim to immediately connect users with family, friends, and other users. Due to the anonymity Sendit provides, users can respond to questions honestly without fear of being shamed or judged by their peers.

Key Takeaways

Before you download an app, make sure to consider its red flags and green flags. As you compare the two, ask yourself if the benefits outweigh the risks. 

While the anonymity of Sendit allows users to comment without judgment, it also creates opportunities for bullies to harass others without facing consequences. As apps like Sendit rise in popularity, teens and parents should remain vigilant against the risks of anonymous chats.