Plus safe and more responsible. It is starting from a desire to create a social network for gen z (people born between 1997 and 2010) that Ariane Lambropoulos and Anna Bontemps developed the application Youwho. According to these two French women at the head of the project, 50% of 15-30 ans inform themselves exclusively about “current social networks but do not think they represent real life”.
This observation questions the apprehension of the platforms by this public, and what are the limits not to cross, particularly in terms of propriety and courtesy. Because the efficient “anonymity” factor on the internet and social apps, provide coverage to Internet users who can in some cases become vehement, and this, without fear of consequences.
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Thus, the pair thought of a concept of social network where the goal is to react to current events and discuss key themes (for example questions relating to the LGBTQI+ community, or even ecology), but not in any way. On this app with false airs of TikTok, no way to play it like on Twitter, Instagram or Snapchat.
With face uncovered
Sur Youwho, on react in front of the camera and we develop an argument, or we remain silent. As Ariane Lambropoulos explains: “For us, it’s the video that takes precedence. So if a user wants to send a bad message or insult, he will have to show his face, so already, it’s not the same approach “. It is therefore preferable to observe a correct attitude when interacting on Youwho, because otherwise, and if several reports are made via dissatisfaction stickers, the youwhoer risks seeing his video unpublished. Warned about the rules, “he will still think twice before posting something”continues Ariane.
If this French platform is only in its infancy with a launch carried out at the end of April 2022, its future is still to be traced. Ariane Lambropoulos hides nothing from theexperimental look which she wears. Assuming that the first youwhoers (2000 at the time of writing this article), will at first glance show good faith, it remains aware that overflows can occur: “If we talk about subjects that are a little too advanced from the start, maybe it can go live. We will have to be vigilant until the young people take the fold of the format well ».
Note that one of the concerns of the pair is also to verify the information relayed on the app by users, in order toprevent the spread of fake news.
A project still timid
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Regarding the next few years of Youwho, Ariane Lambropoulos is optimistic: “young people are sufficiently adept at social networks and native tech to be able to want to discover the news and create content, but we also know that they are committed. Now we will see if they are able to go through with their commitments and those they want brands or political institutions to follow, by speaking out regularly to change mentalities..
If the initiative is good and paves the way for a new healthier way of expression on the platforms, it also raises other questions. How change the habits of young people on the internet, accustomed to the formats of Twitter, Instagram or Snapchat? What about moderation when there are more users? What would be the limits between freedom of expression and comments that may offend ?
In this regard, Ariane Lambropoulos relies on diligent monitoring of user behavior, and adaptation through algorithm updates to stem any form of aggressive or hostile publication. Nevertheless she admits that it is a “bet, we don’t have the answer”.
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