Picture this: ‘I’ve got a crush on you’ says an anonymous message and ‘you’re a bit immature, you need to become wiser’ reads another. If you’ve signed up on Sarahah, the app that everyone across the world is going bonkers over, then you’re most likely to get intriguing messages from people whose identity will remain unknown to you. The app, developed in Saudi Arabia by Zain al-Abidin Tawfiq, translates to ‘honesty’ in Arabic and asks people to leave a constructive message for the user. “Discover strengths and areas for improvement,’ says the website. While some are appreciating the fun and frankness, for others, it’s turning out to be a platform to receive/send hate messages. Once a user shares his/her Sarahah profile on Facebook, Twitter or other social accounts, others can start sending her/him anonymous messages.
Marketing executive Atree Kundu is someone who’s been zealously sharing the feedback she’s been receiving from the app on her FB timeline. “I’m not the kind to dive into trends so easily, but this concept seemed fun. To be able to share your honest thoughts about a person by being anonymous gives people a kick,” says Atree, who adds, “I’ve been sending quirky, upfront thoughts through messages and receiving unexpected messages as well. You can share real thoughts without having to fake it. As for negative comments, they’re nothing new and act as a reality check for oneself. One should take it sportingly and avoid getting into fights or heated debates. People have sent me messages asking me to stop posting silly messages, to get married or that I’m not cool but act that way! Hate and love are a part of it.”
Photographer Chaitali Wasnik who posted an annoyed message about the new craze says, “Following a trend is good. But people should consider not shoving things on someone else’s timeline. I have removed so many people from my friend’s list because their updates were getting annoying. If someone wants to say something to you there are things like Messenger!” says Chaitali, who won’t mind getting on the app, but will refrain from spamming others people’s timelines with updates.
Numerous people have expressed concern over how Sarahah could turn into a heaven for cyber bullies and vicious trolls, thanks to its anonymity feature. Business consultant Ashish Bagri feels that the app adds on to the digital culture thereby making human interaction even lesser. “That scares me! Weren’t our previous generations happier when relationships were based on face-to-face communication, which also reduced the risk of miscommunication? If you’re up to constructive feedback, then why let its source be a secret? Wouldn’t relationships be better if they were open and had continuous dialogue? Many people on the app are out there only to test if they can guess who’s sent them feedback, and end up tagging the sender on social media. Then, the whole idea of it being a secret loses plot. To summarise in one word — Sarahahahah!” he quips.
