As a solid Blackberry user, I have to admit, I’ve been completely oblivious to the world of iPhone Apps. However, after opening my eyes to this “alternate means of communication”, I’ve come to understand that Apple Apps uphold a culture all their own. iPhone and iPad users accumulate these programs much like baseball cards, frequently checking for new Apps to add to their collections. Application functions appear to be endless, although some applications seem more useful than others. While browsing through, the App Store I came across one known as “iFart” which guarantees a “digital scent” and sound when activated. No program appeared too absurd for purchase. I began to wonder, what happens when an App ventures beyond bizarre, towards downright dangerous? In my eyes, for this technological innovation to remain innocuous, a clear line explaining appropriate versus inappropriate applications needs to be drawn. Research soon showed me that such a definitive standard has yet to be set.
No single party can be held responsible for the inception of an App. Apparently, anyone technologically savvy enough can create one and attempt to feature it on the Apple site for official online downloading. Beyond such creativity, additional financial investment is necessary. Programming requires an Intel-based Mac computer with Mac OS X 10.5.5 Leopard, some testing devices (iPhone and/or iPod Touch), and a registered membership with the Apple iPhone Developer Program, (which costs $99 for the most basic edition). Creators can then publish their applications on iTunes or at the App Store and receive 70% of sales revenue without paying any distribution costs. Apps usually sell for .99 cents online, but of course there are other means of downloading Apps illegally.
However, in order to be sold on an Apple indorsed site, Apps must be “pre-approved” by the company. Regularly, Apple rejects programs that they feel do not warrant personal support. For example, the site has recently shunned the “Obama Trampoline” and “iBoobs” due to sexually suggestive content and hazardous political ridicule. Yet the company has overlooked other Apps that appear to be equally dodgy, causing many to point fingers at Apple’s “murky and infamously inconsistent” approval policy. Though Apple employees may not create such Apps personally, online authorization indicates the company deems them socially acceptable.
Two programs have caused quite a stir within recent media reports. One titled the “Manhattan Declaration” is a “call of Christian conscience,” allowing users to sign an official declaration against gay marriage. The second “The Ugly Meter, ” is a program that rates one’s facial features based on proportionality and then gives an “ugly” score ranging from 1 to 10. These applications open up a world of danger, unfairly targeting homosexuals and causing potential pain for those who do not fit the set “beauty standard”. There is no reason for Apple to place a seal of approval upon programs with such underlying detriments.
Additionally, both Apps encourage the possibility of a growing social crisis known as "cyberbullying". According to Stopcyberbullying.org, cyberbullying “is when a child, preteen or teen is tormented, threatened, harassed, humiliated, embarrassed or otherwise targeted by another child, preteen or teen using the Internet, interactive and digital technologies or mobile phones.” This form of torment is not to be taken lightly as many victims have suffered from severe depression and even been driven to suicide. Shockingly, 33 percent of our youth has been victimized by cyberbullying and that number continues to grow with each passing day. Why add any more fuel to the fire in the form of asinine iPhone Applications?
Thus, Apple must uphold a definitive standard of review, understanding that every little application deserves just as much scrutiny as the next. A clearer line should be drawn designating what is worth downloading and what is not. Nowadays, to avoid a potential lawsuit, businesses have no choice but to play the devils advocate with a product before endorsing it. Apple must assume this outlook as well.
A creditable App should not cause harm. I may be a confused Blackberry user, but in my eyes, there is no pleasure to be had at the expense of others, electronically or otherwise. The iPhone App culture needs to slow down, take a step back, and realize their electronic gadgets equate to more than fun and games. After all, their social implications have costs far beyond a .99 cents face value.
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