Nowadays, the Hoop app is becoming popular among teens. This is mainly appealing to teens who want to grow their Snapchat friend list and meet new people online. As this app has a simple swipe-and-connect style, teens find it more fun and exciting. It may seem like a game to them. There’s no doubt that teens are enjoying using the Hoop app.
But as a parent, you have some responsibilities. You need to pay close attention to the usage of this app. Why? The Hoop app lets your child connect with strangers and share personal details. This brings major risks to their life. So, let’s talk about Hoop in this blog and why parental guidance is important for safety.
What is the Hoop app?
Hoop is a social app. It works mainly with Snapchat. This app helps people meet new friends by swapping Snapchat usernames. When you open Hoop, you can see many profiles. If you like any profile, you can request their Snapchat. And if they accept, you can then connect and start chatting directly on Snapchat. Basically, it’s not a messaging app itself. It is more like a bridge that connects people to chat on Snapchat.
- Hoop makes it easy to find new Snapchat friends
- It has a simple design and is quick to use
- Hoop lets you meet with people worldwide
- It is free to download
- You can be exposed to strangers and risks
- The age checks of Hoop can’t always be trusted
- You may find some profiles that are not genuine
- You may feel pressured by the in-app coins system
Connection with Snapchat
As Hoop doesn’t have its own chat system, it is closely linked with Snapchat. You can consider Hoop as the middle step. It shares usernames so that people can get connected on Snapchat. Simply, the connection between the Hoop and Snapchat is, you see profiles in Hoop, send a request, and then start a conversation on Snapchat.
Why is the Hoop app popular?
The app Hoop is famous among young users because it offers a space to explore and connect beyond the common circle. Users may find it new and playful. Let’s explore in depth what makes the Hoop app so popular.
Easy to use
The Hoop app is very easy to use. It is created in a way that anyone can understand quickly. What users have to do is just swipe through profiles. Also, you just need to check out someone’s picture and their information. And if you are interested, simply send a request. As you can see, there are no hard steps or confusing menus. Due to this, the Hoop app became famous among teens.
Makes new friends fast
When teens use the Hoop app, they can make new friends so fast. There’s no need to wait around and search for people. They can swipe, find profiles, and connect within minutes. This is mainly appealing to kids who love growing their Snapchat circle. Teens can add new people to their list every day. Because of this fast way of making friends, the Hoop app is popular among users.
What is the Hoop app’s age rating?
Official age rating
The official age rating of the Hoop app on the App Store is 12+. But if you see Google Play, it is rated Teen. This means the app is mainly created for teenagers and above. It is not for every young kid. Hoop has this rating because it involves meeting strangers, sharing Snapchat details, and seeing various types of content. That’s why parents should know that even if it looks safe, it still has risks.
Is it appropriate for teens under 18?
The app Hoop is made for teens. But it is not always safe for those who are under 18. As Hoop lets users talk to strangers, it becomes risky for young kids. What happens is they may experience unsafe conversation.
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With the fun and friendly appearance of this app, nobody may guess that it can be unsafe for kids. But if you provide your teens with the proper guidance, then it can be safe for them.
How does the Hoop app work?
Step-by-step guide on how to use Hoop app
- Step 1. Download and sign up: At first, teens need to download the Hoop app from the App Store or Google Play. Then, they have to create an account.
- Step 2. Browse profiles: Now, as the sign-up is completed, teens can browse profiles. They can swipe through various user accounts.
- Step 3. Send requests with coins: The next step is sending requests with coins. Basically, it means asking for someone’s Snapchat username.
- Step 4. Wait for acceptance: Once they send the request, they have to wait for the person to accept.
- Step 5. Chat on Snapchat: When the request is accepted by the other person, the conversation moves directly to Snapchat.
What permissions does it ask for?
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- Snapchat access: The app Hoop can connect you directly with Snapchat, and that’s why it asks for permission to access your account. When you approve, it shares usernames between people.
- Location access: The next permission Hoop asks for is location access. You need to approve this to use the Hoop app.
- Profile information: Apart from Snapchat and location access, Hoop asks for profile information. It asks to access basic details.
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Privacy considerations for parents
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- Talking to strangers: As a parent, you should know that Hoop lets teens talk to strangers. You need to understand that some of them may connect with your kid to have an inappropriate conversation.
- Sharing personal Info: The next concern is sharing personal information. Your teens are still learning. Due to this, they don’t know what to share and what not to.
- In-app purchases: If your kids want to send a request, they have to use coins. And some coins are free, while some require a purchase.
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Is the Hoop app safe?
Using the Hoop app is not safe, especially for teens, as they may encounter catfishing and inappropriate content. The app lacks strict safety measures, which can make it easy for users to be targeted by predators or exposed to harmful information.
Catfishing
The major risk of using the Hoop app is catfishing. What happens is that someone may pretend to be a different person. Your teens may get connected with these people who are fake but seem real. And if your kid trusts them, it can lead to unsafe situations. So, you should stay cautious and guide them well.
Inappropriate messages
There are very high chances that your kid can receive inappropriate messages from strangers. They may also receive snaps that are not good to see. Not just this, teens may come across rude or adult content once they move the chat to Snapchat. To let you know that it can be upsetting for them.
Safety tips for parents
Setting boundaries
The first safety tip is setting boundaries. It can make Hoop safer if you set clear rules. The example is, you can limit how much time teens spend on the app. Also, you can set a boundary on what type of photos they can share. Setting these limits can help teens enjoy the fun side of Hoop.
Talking about online strangers
To keep your kids safe from online dangers, you can talk about digital strangers. It is a very important step. Teens should know that not everyone they meet on Hoop is reliable. They should know they don’t need to open up to unknown people. You should have regular conversations to make your teens understand this.
Using parental control tools
One of the best tips is using a parental control tool like FlashGet Kids. It can help keep an eye on how teens use Hoop. You can track the time your kids spend on the apps. Also, you can set a limit and even block unsafe features. While using this app, don’t think that you are spying. Actually, you are protecting your kid and guiding them.
Hoop app alternatives
Noplace
The app Noplace is a new networking app. It is mainly created to help teens share their interests and connect in a lively environment.
Age rating: 13+
- People who explore genuine connections can use this app. It is good in it.
- Noplace can give fun and colorful vibes.
- Teens with hobbies and interests can be expressive there.
- You may not find many users on it. It is a new app.
- Safety is not assured as there are no strong tools.
- The chances of you getting bored are very high.
Snapchat
Snapchat is the app that is used widely among teens. It is known for its quick and real-time communication style.
Age rating: 13+
- You may find it very popular with teens worldwide.
- Users can get fun features. It can be filters, stories, and streaks.
- You can benefit from strong privacy settings if you use them correctly.
- Addiction to this app is very easy.
- You may receive requests from many strangers.
- Your privacy may be at risk with the Snap Map location.
Wizz
Wizz positions itself as a friendship-building app. It blends the energy of modern social networking with the simplicity of chatting.
Age rating: 13+
- If you like meeting new people, this app is the best.
- You may feel a mixture of social networking and chatting.
- You don’t need to spend much to buy this. It is free to download and use.
- There can be many fake profiles on this app.
- You may experience inappropriate messages.
- This app still needs better moderation to keep teens safe.
Y99
Y99 operates differently from many teen-focused apps. Basically, it offers an online platform where users can connect globally through chat rooms.
Age rating: 17+
- While using the app, there can be worldwide chat rooms.
- You don’t always need to download. Just run it in the browser.
- Y99 will not ask for your money. You can use it for Free.
- Most probably, you may experience unsafe chats.
- This is not created for younger teens.
- The verification process is very weak. Anyone can join this.
Wusoup
Wusoup is built with a simple swiping system. It makes finding new people quick and engaging. It aims to provide an easy entry point for teens.
Age rating: 13+
- You just need to swipe to find new people.
- This app runs smoothly.
- It will not ask for your money. You can explore for Free.
- Some misleading or fake profiles can be there.
- You may experience strangers with bad intentions.
- Your features are limited if you don’t spend.
BeFriend (previously Swipr)
BeFriend is made for enhancing connections with other Snapchat users. It offers a bridge for those who want to grow their social presence.
Age rating: 13+
Pros:
- If you like to increase your friend list on Snapchat, this app is good to go.
- You can swipe easily and meet new circles.
- There can be many fun designs.
- Many strangers make fake profiles on this app.
- You can see inappropriate accounts with no intentions.
- You have to spend on in-app coins excessively.
PURP
The main purpose of PURP is to expand social circles on Snapchat. By combining a streamlined interface with a playful approach, it appeals to younger users.
Age rating: 12+
- Made just for adding new Snapchat friends.
- The quick swiping system makes it exciting.
- Free to download and simple to use.
- High risk of meeting strangers.
- Fake profiles are common.
- Some features require coins or purchases.
Conclusion
In conclusion, as the Hoop app connects directly with Snapchat, teens find it very interesting. However, like many other apps, it comes with risks. These risks include catfishing, unsafe chats, and oversharing personal information.
That’s why parents should monitor their kids when they are using Hoop. You have to set clear boundaries and talk about online safety with your children. To make it easy, use tools like FlashGet Kids. To enhance the safety of your teens, all you need to provide them is the right guidance.
