New social networking site, Social Number, lacks restrictions

Step aside, Facebook. There’s a new social network on the web.

Xanga and Myspace were the first of many social network sites that people couldn’t get enough of. Users could reconnect with old friends, make new ones, post pictures and upload bulletins. Both social networks, however, lost their appeal when Facebook came on the scene in 2004. Today new challengers are competing with Facebook to be most frequently used social network. One such competitor is the newly created Social Number.

Social Number is a networking site that is for users who feel that Facebook and other sites are too “nosey.” The new site is aimed toward those who are 18 and older and people who have a preference for anonymity. Users on Social Number are not identified by a photo thumbnail or a username. Instead they are acknowledged only by a number, hence the name Social Number.

The site is for users who are searching for a place to post their thoughts and feelings anonymously without the fear that the conversation or post could be connected to them outside of the website. Users are encouraged to discuss anything that they find important, be it a new job promotion, a social or political issue, or admitting such things as a substance abuse problem.

However, Social Number is too anonymous and allows users too much freedom with what they can post or say.

While the anonymity appeals to many users, it also frightens some potential users.

Potential users fear that the anonymity of the site will appeal to those who would use it in the wrong way such as cyber bullying, trolling or posting hoaxes. According to an article posted on CNN.com, the creator of Social Number, M.K.,  states that he “had been feeling… that there were privacy issues with most social networking sites,” however M. K.’s want for anonymity is what is frightening potential users away.

After struggling to make an account on the website and waiting over an hour to receive a confirmation email that lacked the needed link to approve someone’s first login, it was clear to see that using Social Number was going to be challenging. Upon logging in, new users are asked to complete their profile and then they are on their own, free to search other user’s posts to add their own two cents.

While the site is still relatively new it is already clear to see that the anonymity is being taken advantage of. It’s common to see Social Numbers users calling others ignorant fools simply because they have different views and other not-so-nice comments.

Social Number may appeal to those who have no trouble expressing their ideas or thoughts on some controversial topics, others fear it’s “no rules, post what you would like” policy. While the site was created as a place for users to post freely, and to not worry about the excess baggage of an online persona, the site needs restrictions as to what would qualify as bullying or trolling.