Sarahah: cool or creepy?

Over the course of last few days, Sarahah, an anonymous messaging app, has seen its popularity skyrocketing in the country, with youngsters, predominantly, sharing numerous posts about it on social media. After all, who wouldn’t love a chance to know more about themselves from anonymous people, who might share their ‘actual’ opinion, without having to be diplomatic?

For starters, this app was launched several months ago, but only now, it has been making its impact across India. This is also not the first anonymous messaging platform though — it has quite a few predecessors like Yik Yak and Whisper. What makes this app work is its straightforward approach, without several confusing features. And the makers claim that Sarahah, which literally means honesty in Arabic, will serve as a platform for one to ‘get honest feedback from your co-workers and friends’.

But at an age when the awareness regarding cyber-bullying is being reinstated every day, will this app also serve as an additional platform for the bullies to spread negativity and hurl abuse? We speak to a few Sarahah-using Chennaiites and social media experts to share their opinions.

Film editor Abhinav Sunder Nayak, who became a Sarahah user recently, says that he’s surprised to see a lot of positive messages in the platform, contrary to what he expected. “I started using the app only yesterday — and so far, with the messages I’ve been getting, I am surprised. While you see a lot of negativity across various social media platforms, I thought the app would also enable people to engage in such acts, but the feedbacks I’ve been getting are only positive!” he opines.

He continues, “And, psychologically, it is even more satisfying to get anonymous opinions about our work knowing that one would not be hesitant to share his/ her opinion.”

Deepa Natarajan, a fashion designer from the city, says that though she downloaded the app due to curiosity, she was overwhelmed to have gotten over 150 messages overnight! 

“The messages were a mix of both positive and negative comments. While some appreciated me for my work, a few also made snide remarks about my personal life. Honestly, I don’t see a reason why all these messages have to come anonymously. It all boils down to how much one lets such comments affect them.” Stating that like most other apps, Sarahah too will have a short life, She opines, “Everyone is talking about it now and are having fun pranking their friends with it, but it will last for only two-three weeks.”

On the other hand, Megha Kaveri, a journalism student says, “My experience with Sarahah has been exciting, as I am getting to know what people really think of me. But, you also have an inherent fear that there are high chances that you might be cyber bullied.”

Meanwhile, mobile journalism trainer and social media expert, Devadas Rajaram, has a sceptical point of view towards the app. He says, “The name Sarahah, which means ‘honesty’ in Arabic, is a bit misleading. Being anonymous affects your credibility as a communicator. It may be wildly popular with the youth, but I don’t see it going anywhere as a useful app which can play any meaningful role. Like Yik Yak — which was shut down a while ago — and Kik, anonymity can be a double-edged weapon.” 

He continues, “Being able to pour your heart out in anonymity — which can be a personal relief — is the reason behind its popularity. It’s fun to be able to share your thoughts with strangers. But a meaningful communication should be interactive. You can’t reply to messages on Saraha — I find it a big drawback.” He’s also wary about the risks Sarahah possesses. “There have already been complaints about cyber bullying, including death threats, made with the app. Even if you want to share something constructive, anonymity undermines personal warmth. It may remain popular amongst the youth for a while as a new platform for fun to share random thoughts. The biggest downside of the app is its potential for misuse,” he states.

(With inputs from Niveda Manohar)