What is the Monkey App? What Parents Need to Know

Today, we live in a digital era where many apps are available for social connectivity. It is hard to decide which one to use. Among all such apps, the Monkey app has been getting more and more attention in recent years. As a parent or guardian, you may have noticed your kids using this app. Well, you must know about the app and should be concerned about its impact on your child. In this article, we’ll share a quick introduction to the Monkey app along with its features, and safety tips to use it efficiently.

What is Monkey App?

Monkey app is a social networking app that enables users to connect with people around the globe. App is recognized for its video chatting feature, users are paired with other for a brief collaboration. In 2019, app gained popularity especially among youngsters because they find it an interactive approach to connectivity.

At Monkey app, users can easily signup with their phone number and build their profile by sharing basic information. Now they can easily start video chatting with others. If they feel uncomfortable with any chat, simply swipe to the next user. Although app is free to use still there are some premium features integrated with more perks. 

How does Monkey App Work?

Well, the functionality of app is quite simple:

• Swipe to Skip: If someone feels that the conversation is uncomfortable or awkward, user can just swipe to next.
• Random Pairing: Users are not expected to pair to some specific person, app randomly match the users in video chats.
• Text and Video Chatting: Video chatting is undoubtedly the primary feature of Monkey app but users can also use text messages to chat.
• Filters: App filters can be used to match people profiles based on gender, interest and age. Filters help in narrow down the search but we can’t say it is perfect because younger can also be matched with the older.

Although it’s meeting new people seems to be exciting but app randomly makes pairs which means that users will meet or encounter strangers who may not have best intentions. 

Who Users Monkey App?

Usually Monkey app is being used by people of different ages but it is significantly used by teens, and youngsters. Particularly people from age group 13-24 use this app and socially interact new people.

Significant Features of Monkey App

Popular Among Teens

Monkey app is quite popular among teens and youngsters who look around for quick and easier social interaction.

International Audience

App connects people from around the globe therefore users may interact with someone from different countries, state, culture or region

Influencers and Content Creators:

Different social media influencers and YouTubers also work on app promotion therefore it is attaining more popularity day by day.

What are the Risks of Using Monkey App?

Although using Monkey app is fun but still it also holds several risk factors, especially for youngsters. Therefore, being a parent it is important to keep yourself aware of threats.

Inappropriate Content Exposure

Well app is designed to make random connections so, the chance to connect with someone engage in inappropriate behaviour i.e. Sexual content, nudity, harassment and explicit language etc. Although has some measuring checks to report the inappropriate behaviour, but such video chats are a great risk for young users. It is hard for the platform to closely monitor each and every conversation in real-time.

Unsupervised Interactions with Strangers

As said earlier app’s nature is random that simply means your child is going to interact with someone they don’t know earlier. Connecting to strangers can open the door for:

• Chatfishing: Users may hide their original identity and pretend to be someone else. They can easily manipulate others.
• Predators: Users may encounter the online predators because there are a lot of people available on the app with different intentions.

Privacy and Data Security

You’re sharing personal information to the users that carries potential risk associated to user’s privacy and data security. Although Monkey app ask for minimal information during the signup process still data is at risk. Therefore, app’s security is the big concern to check.

Addiction to Social Validation

Teenagers spend hours on social apps like Monkey and become addictive to use social media. Constantly connection building with strangers can affect their mental health.

What Can Parents Do to Protect Their Kids?

If your kids are using Monkey app or considering to download it, there are a lot of steps that could be taken by parents to ensure their safety:

Open Communication

Discuss about the potential threats of using app to your child. Talk to them openly and set clear expectations about connection building. Discuss what is appropriate or what isn’t. Set some lines and borders for strangers’ interaction. Furthermore, it is highly important to encourage them to come to you in case they feel uncomfortable.

On Screen Time Boundaries

You need to set a limitation of time that your child is going to spend on the app. Keep monitoring how and when your child is using the app. If it is found that child is getting more engaged with the app, be aware because it may also affect other aspects of life.

Enable Parental Control

Now smartphones have build-in parental control features that need to be enabled while it is in the hand of your child. Parental control feature restrict the app usage, set scree time limits and start monitoring the activities. Furthermore, third party apps can also be helpful in monitoring online activity of your child. 

Teach Report and Block to Child

Your child should be aware of the feature of reporting and block on the app. In case they encounter some inappropriate content or user they feel uncomfortable. They should immediately end the conversation without sharing any personal information. 

Research the App Yourself

Your child is quite young and could not understand if the app is good for them or not. Therefore, before allowing, take some time to get yourself familiarized with the app and its functionalities.

Wrapping Up

Monkey app is getting popular among kids and if your child is asking to download it don’t take it easy. Firstly complete your research about the app and its features then check safety precautions. After setting clear boundaries, and interaction limits and discussing it with your child openly, you can allow them to use it.