What is tbh?

tbh: The Anonymous Compliment App

tbh (short for "to be honest") was a social networking app targeted at high school students, known for its focus on positive affirmations and anonymous polls. It gained significant popularity for a brief period before being acquired by Facebook and ultimately shut down.

Here's a summary of important aspects:

  • Concept: The core idea behind tbh was to allow users to answer multiple-choice questions about their friends, with options designed to be positive and complimentary. Answers were submitted anonymously, meaning the recipient would see who chose them, but not which friend.

  • Target Audience: The app was specifically designed for high school students, creating a closed environment meant to encourage honest and supportive interactions.

  • Gameplay: Users would receive multiple-choice questions like "Who makes you laugh the hardest?" or "Who is the most creative?" They would then select from a list of their friends, and the person chosen would receive a notification that they had been selected positively, without knowing who chose them.

  • Anonymity: The anonymity aspect was a key component of the app's appeal. It allowed users to express positive feelings without fear of being judged or creating awkward situations.

  • Acquisition by Facebook: Due to its rapid growth and popularity, tbh was acquired by Facebook in October 2017.

  • Shutdown: Despite the acquisition, tbh's popularity waned, and Facebook announced in May 2018 that it would be shutting down the app, citing low usage. https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/Shutdown

  • Impact: tbh highlighted the potential for social media to be used for positive interactions and provided a brief glimpse into a less toxic online environment. However, it also showed the challenges of maintaining user engagement and relevance in the rapidly evolving social media landscape.