The new
Ask Around app for the iPhone/iPod touch lets people join, save, and share conversations taking place in their immediate vicinity. You can also check out conversations happening outside of your location. However, it could be dangerous too.
Created by the folks behind the popular
Ask.com app, Ask Around is extremely simple to use and for some could become quite addictive.
Users can instantly find and join in conversations happening right now a few hundred yards away, up to 15 miles.
Can’t find conversations around you? Simply expand the map and view exchanges from another city or state. Keep in mind you can’t join in conversations beyond your 15-mile radius, but you can view them.
The app’s most intriguing aspect is its “Spots” feature. Although it is unclear how they are actually added or how often they are updated, Popular Spots lists the trendiest spots nationwide.
Saved Spots are those areas you’ve visited and care most about.
For example, imagine it is Friday night and you’ve just left your favorite bar 20 miles from home. Simply save the location, and you will be able to watch the conversation continue even without being there.
After playing around with Ask Around for a few days, I’m at a loss on whether something like this is worth the trouble or even appropriate.
For one, its creators claim the app’s purpose is
not about playing matchmaker or helping you meet new friends. Since the app encourages conversations between strangers, how is this not the case?
Second, the app is potentially dangerous. What's better for a predator than being able to chat with a stranger while also knowing where the person is located
right now?
The free
Ask Around app is available in the App Store.
What do you think? Do you agree with my thoughts or am I completely off base? Leave your comments below.
