Trending apps like TikTok, Threads, and BeReal are fun — but are they safe? Learn the privacy risks behind today’s hottest social platforms.
📱 New Apps, New Risks
Every year, a new wave of social media apps captures the world’s attention — from viral dance videos on TikTok, to real-time photo sharing on BeReal, to text-first conversations on Threads.
These platforms are fun, fast-growing, and wildly creative. But they also come with privacy concerns, hidden tracking, and safety risks — especially for younger users.
Let’s break down the most popular trending apps of the moment and explore what you should know before diving in.
🎵 TikTok: Entertainment Meets Data Collection
What It Is:
A short-form video platform known for viral challenges, tutorials, comedy, and trends.
The Risks:
- Data Collection: TikTok collects a wide range of user data, including location, device details, browsing history, and even keystroke patterns.
- Algorithm Addiction: The “For You Page” is powered by an advanced algorithm that can be highly addictive — especially for teens.
- Privacy Concerns: The app has been under global scrutiny for its ties to Chinese parent company ByteDance and concerns over how user data is handled.
- Inappropriate Content: Despite moderation efforts, explicit or harmful content can slip through.
What You Can Do:
- Set TikTok to private account
- Turn off location tracking in app settings
- Use screen time limits and content restrictions for kids
- Avoid linking personal data like phone numbers or real names
📸 BeReal: Real Moments, No Filters
What It Is:
BeReal prompts users once a day to take a photo with both front and back cameras — in real-time — to show an unfiltered snapshot of life.
The Risks:
- Location Sharing: BeReal shares your exact location with each post, unless you turn it off manually.
- Time Pressure: Users feel compelled to post instantly, which can lead to oversharing or unsafe behavior.
- Limited Privacy Controls: Posts can be public, and “friends of friends” can view your BeReals unless privacy settings are adjusted.
What You Can Do:
- Turn off location sharing in settings
- Remind younger users they don’t have to post every day
- Limit your audience to friends only
💬 Threads: Instagram’s New Text-Based App
What It Is:
A text-first app from Meta (Instagram/Facebook), Threads is pitched as a friendly, decentralized alternative to Twitter/X.
The Risks:
- Cross-Platform Data Sharing: Threads is deeply connected to your Instagram account — meaning Meta gets access to even more of your personal data.
- No Separate Account Deletion: As of now, deleting your Threads account requires deleting your Instagram account too.
- Limited Moderation: As the platform grows quickly, moderation tools may lag behind harmful or spammy content.
What You Can Do:
- Review and adjust privacy settings within Threads
- Avoid oversharing personal or sensitive information
- Stay aware of Meta’s broader data collection practices
🔐 Common Risks Across All Trending Apps
- Data Overload: Most free apps collect your location, contacts, device details, behavior, and more.
- Addiction by Design: These apps use notifications and algorithms to keep you engaged — sometimes too much.
- Peer Pressure & Social Comparison: Real-time apps increase the pressure to share constantly or live up to online standards.
- Scams & Impersonation: Fake profiles and links can spread quickly through viral platforms.
✅ How to Stay Safe While Using Trending Apps
- Use privacy settings to control who sees your content
- Turn off location sharing unless absolutely necessary
- Don’t reuse passwords — and turn on two-factor authentication
- Think before you post — once it’s out there, it’s out there
- Talk to kids and teens about boundaries, screen time, and red flags
TikTok, Threads, BeReal — today’s hottest apps offer creativity, connection, and entertainment. But beneath the filters and features, they also carry real risks for your data, your privacy, and your wellbeing.
You don’t have to avoid them completely — just use them wisely. Understand what you’re signing up for, manage your settings, and remember: privacy is power.
