[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.19.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”-80px||-80px||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||0px||true|false” hover_enabled=”0″ da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″ collapsed=”off” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.19.4″ _module_preset=”default” min_height=”3233.8px” custom_margin=”48px|auto||auto|false|false” custom_padding=”0px|||||” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.qustodio.com\/public-site\/uploads\/2024\/03\/05103548\/2024-03-What-is-Hoop_-Is-it-safe-for-teens__Hero.jpg” alt=”What is the Hoop app?” title_text=”2024-03- What is Hoop_ Is it safe for teens__Hero” align=”center” disabled_on=”off|off|off” _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” min_height=”90px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Before we get on to Hoop, we need to talk about Snapchat<\/strong> – the social media phenomenon that Hoop integrates with to connect people around the world.<\/span><\/p>\n Since its humble beginnings in a Stanford dorm room, Snapchat has amassed over <\/span>406 million daily active users<\/span><\/a> sending more than 5 billion snaps every day. The platform introduced the world to disappearing photos and \u2018stories\u2019 – a now standard feature of Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and other platforms.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n As no shock to parents whatsoever, Snapchat is enormously popular with the younger generation. Based on time spent, Snapchat is the most-used communication app for children who <\/span>spend a global average of 74 minutes a day snapping and chatting<\/span><\/a>. It\u2019s also the communication app most likely to be blocked by parents.<\/span><\/p>\n So what about Hoop, the dating app-style platform that connects Snapchat users?<\/b><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||0px|||” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n Hoop was created in 2020 and promises that users can \u201cmake new friends all over the world.\u201d Well, friends that have Snapchat at least.<\/span><\/p>\n Hoop integrates with Snapchat and allows users to view the profiles of Snapchatters around the world and connect with them while boosting their own friend list. It features a dating app-style, swipe system and if a user likes what they see, they can send them a friend request. <\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n To start on Hoop, you\u2019ll need to link your Snapchat profile, enter a few personal details like age and gender, and choose a couple of pictures to feature. You can then review profiles of other users and hit either \u2018X\u2019 to dismiss them or the Snapchat logo, which sends them a request to connect. In turn, others can see your profile and send you friend requests.<\/span><\/p>\n The profiles shown will be a mix of genders with ages close to yours. <\/span>But, with no birth date verification, there\u2019s little stopping ages from being falsified<\/b> – one of several red flags for parents that we\u2019ll get into later.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Although the app is free to download, users need \u2018diamonds\u2019 to send friend requests, review previous users, and customize their profiles. Diamonds can be bought and, similar to <\/span>Snapstreaks<\/span><\/a>, Hoop users can earn diamonds by opening the app daily, sharing their profile, watching videos, and more.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n In an interview<\/span><\/a> shortly after it launched, Lucas Gervais, one of Hoop\u2019s creators, stated \u201cWe are not a meeting or dating app. We simply offer an easy way to make new Snap friends.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n However, it hasn’t been described as \u2018Tinder meets Snapchat\u2019 for nothing.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Similar to the world\u2019s top dating app, Hoop uses the swipe method to approve potential connections; and as Tinder isn\u2019t available for people under 18, Hoop could be a viable alternative for the underage.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n You don\u2019t have to spend too long on the app to see that many use Hoop for this reason. Profiles detailing relationship statuses and sexual preferences are common.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n Users as young as 13 can use Hoop<\/strong>. Under 17s need permission from a parent or legal representative before they can create an account.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.qustodio.com\/public-site\/uploads\/2024\/03\/05104108\/2024-03-What-is-Hoop_-Is-it-safe-for-teens__Inside-Image.jpg” alt=”Girl using Hoop app” title_text=”2024-03- What is Hoop_ Is it safe for teens__Inside Image” align=”center” disabled_on=”off|off|off” _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n Hoop acknowledges that users might be exposed to risks while using the app and they have several safety measures in place, including:<\/span><\/p>\n Despite these measures, we\u2019ve found flaws in the app that could expose teens to inappropriate content and potential threats like sextortion, scams, and <\/b>predation<\/b><\/a>.<\/b><\/p>\n Users can lie about their age or create fake profiles<\/b><\/p>\n Hoop might have an age restriction but it lacks a proper age verification process. Therefore, there\u2019s little stopping users from faking their dates of birth or creating bogus profiles.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Children can connect with adults<\/b><\/p>\n Although users only see others who are around the same age, this data can be falsified leading to a worrying chance of adults mixing with minors.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n No parental controls<\/b><\/p>\n Despite the young user base, Hoop has no built-in parental controls. Fortunately, an all-in-one, <\/span>parental control app<\/span><\/a> like Qustodio can bridge this gap by blocking or limiting your teen\u2019s access to the Hoop app.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n After testing it ourselves and listening to parents\u2019 concerns about Hoop, <\/span>we don\u2019t recommend the app for children under 17.<\/b><\/p>\n We believe that the inappropriate content that\u2019s prevalent on profiles and the dating element of the app make it unsuitable for minors.\u00a0<\/span>But the biggest red flag for us is the lack of proper age verification procedures <\/strong>making the threat of adults connecting with children worryingly real.<\/p>\n However, if you feel your teen can be trusted to use Hoop responsibly, here are a few Qustodio wellbeing tips:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n 1. Only for 17+<\/b><\/p>\n Hoop allows users as young as 13 to sign up, but in our opinion, this is too young to be exposed to the app\u2019s potential dangers.<\/span><\/p>\n Based on this and <\/span>parents\u2019 reviews<\/span><\/a>, we recommend that the app should not be used by teens under 17.<\/span><\/p>\n 2. Talk with your teen\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n To encourage a healthy, life-long relationship with technology, we always recommend having open discussions with your children about their online habits. So, give them the space to open up about who they\u2019re connecting with on Hoop and make sure they\u2019re aware of the risks involved.<\/span><\/p>\n A <\/span>digital family agreement<\/span><\/a> can help you create a safe space to talk about technology together.<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n 3. Use parental controls<\/b><\/b><\/p>\n Hoop doesn\u2019t have in-built parental controls \u2013 but families can use a parental control app like Qustodio<\/a> to help safeguard their teens from the app\u2019s potential risks.<\/span><\/p>\n With the help of Qustodio, you can\u2026<\/span><\/p>\nWhat is the Hoop app?<\/strong><\/h2>\n
How does Hoop work?<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Is Hoop a dating app?<\/strong><\/h2>\n
How old do you have to be to use Hoop?<\/b><\/h2>\n
Is the Hoop app safe for teens?<\/b><\/h2>\n
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Hoop: Qustodio\u2019s safety recommendation<\/b><\/h2>\n