hoop
HOOP
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AGE RATING: 18+
WHAT IS IT? Hoop is a social networking app that connects with Snapchat to help users meet new people. It functions similarly to a dating app, where users swipe through profiles and request to connect. If both users agree, they exchange Snapchat details and continue the conversation there. The app is designed for social discovery but is widely used by teens and young adults despite being labeled 18+. WHAT WE SAY: Avoid 🔞Exposure to Inappropriate Content Hoop exposes users to unmoderated content, including suggestive photos and adult language. Since users create their own profiles and share images freely, it's easy for inappropriate material to appear. Without strict content filters, teens using the app can quickly encounter sexualised or explicit content not suitable for their age. 🔐 Privacy Concerns Hoop collects personal information like age, gender, and photos, and encourages users to share their Snapchat username with strangers. There's no strong privacy policy in place, and the app lacks birthdate verification, allowing users to lie about their age. This weak oversight creates major risks around data privacy and personal security. 💬 Direct Messaging While Hoop doesn’t have direct messaging built-in, it encourages users to add each other on Snapchat, where conversations happen. Since Snapchat is known for its disappearing messages, this makes it harder to supervise and increases the chance of inappropriate or harmful exchanges with strangers. Cyberbullying and Harassment Because Hoop allows users to rate others and request their Snapchat without much moderation, bullying or harassment can easily occur. The lack of in-app messaging controls also means harmful behavior can spill over to other platforms. 🧑💻 Online Predators & Grooming With no age verification, adults can pose as teens and reach out to younger users. Since the app promotes direct communication through Snapchat, where messages disappear, it's difficult for parents or guardians to monitor conversations. This creates a risky environment where grooming and predatory behaviour can happen undetected. 📢 Lack of Advert Moderation As a free app, Hoop shows ads, and they appear unmoderated. This could lead to users seeing inappropriate, misleading, or poorly targeted ads, especially since many users are teens despite the app’s 18+ rating. Without strict ad controls, exposure to harmful or exploitative content is a concern. 💸 In-App Purchases Hoop uses an in-app currency called diamonds, which can be earned or bought with real money. Users need diamonds to send connection requests, creating pressure to spend money to stay active on the app. For teens, this introduces the risk of overspending or being tempted into purchases without fully understanding the cost. 🔓 Scams & Account Theft The app’s lack of identity checks makes it easy for scammers to create fake profiles and trick users into sharing personal info. Combined with the Snapchat connection, users may fall victim to phishing, catfishing, or even account takeovers. The anonymity and low moderation make scams and impersonation common risks. |
SAFETY TIPS:
Parental supervision: Check their interactions and adjust privacy settings accordingly. Underage Accounts: Hoop might have an age restriction but it lacks a proper age verification process. Therefore, there’s little stopping users from faking their dates of birth or creating bogus profiles. If an underage profiles are identified or a profile is reported as underaged by the community, the account will be deleted. No parental controls Despite the young user base, Hoop has no built-in parental controls. Families can use a parental control app to help safeguard their teens from the app’s potential risks. Conversations: Have open discussions with children and young people about the topics associated with online use - bullying, grooming, sexual and criminal exploitation, body image, as well as accessing support and how to report. FURTHER SUPPORT: For parents/ carers If you're worried about your child or need support call NSPCC helpline on 0808 800 5000. If you discover criminal content when online then report it directly to the police or the Internet Watch Foundation. If you're worried about online grooming or sexual behaviour online then report directly to the police or contact CEOP. For Children & young people if they're worried or want to talk, encourage them to contact Childline Online or call 0800 1111. Check out our Resource Centre for further information and useful online safety tips. 
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