Are anonymous message apps safe? What to check before you post your link

Anonymity makes people more honest — and sometimes meaner. The main risks with anonymous Q&A apps are:

• Bullying and hurtful comments, because the sender feels nobody will know.
• Fake messages: some apps have been criticised for sending automated “messages” to make you think people are writing, so you keep opening the app or pay to “see who sent it”.
• Paid “reveals” that don’t reveal anything real.
• Oversharing — posting a reply that exposes a friend, or a screenshot that travels further than you expected.
• Younger children using apps meant for teens and adults.

None of these mean you shouldn’t use an anonymous app. They mean you should pick one that is built around them.

1. Abuse filter: are messages with bullying or hateful words hidden automatically, before you see them?
2. Block and report: can you block a sender so they can’t message you again, and report a message to a real moderation team?
3. Pause: can you stop new messages instantly when you need a break?
4. Honesty: does the app promise it never writes fake messages, and are any app-written questions clearly labelled?
5. Realistic hints: does it say clearly that it can’t reveal a sender’s name, or does it sell “who sent this” as if it could?

If an app fails any of these, think twice before putting its link on your story.

• Mean-word filter: on by default. Messages with bullying words go to a separate Hidden folder, so they never pop up in your main inbox. You can add your own hidden words too (Settings → Privacy & safety).
• Block and report: from any message, two taps. Blocking uses anonymous safety signals, so the sender can’t reach you again — without anyone learning who they are. Reports go to Loomii’s moderation queue; child-safety and threat reports are reviewed first.
• Pause: Settings → Privacy & safety → Pause new messages. Visitors can’t send anything while it’s on.
• No fake messages: every message in your inbox from a person was written by a person. Special Daily questions — a few fun prompts a day — are written by Loomii, always labelled “Special Daily”, and can be turned off.
• Honest hints: Loomii only shows signals it really recorded (which app the link was opened from, device type, rough area). It never shows a name, phone number or IP address, and if there’s nothing to show, unlocking is free.

Loomii is for people aged 13 and over, and 13–17 year olds need a parent’s or guardian’s permission under its terms.

• Myth: “Anonymous means anything goes.” Reality: apps have rules, filters and moderators. Abusive senders can be blocked and banned, and serious threats can be reported to the police.
• Myth: “Paying reveals who sent it.” Reality: senders don’t log in, so no app can honestly show a verified name. See what apps can really reveal.
• Myth: “Every message is from a real friend.” Reality: some apps have been accused of adding automated messages. Choose an app that says clearly it never does, and labels any app-written prompts.
• Myth: “Blocking tells the sender they’re blocked.” Reality: in Loomii the sender isn’t told — their messages simply can’t be delivered to you any more.
• Myth: “Deleting the app deletes my data.” Reality: uninstalling usually doesn’t. Delete your account inside the app (or through the website) to remove your profile and messages.

Sometimes the person who needs help isn’t you. If a friend is upset about anonymous messages:

1. Listen first. Don’t start with “just delete the app” — it can feel like they did something wrong.
2. Help them report and block the messages, and turn on Pause new messages for a while.
3. Remind them that one anonymous person is not “everyone”. Show them the kind replies too.
4. Don’t try to find out who sent it and confront them; it usually makes things worse.
5. If the messages mention self-harm, threats or anything sexual involving a minor, help them tell a trusted adult and report it straight away.

Open Settings → Privacy & safety in Loomii and check:

• Filter mean words: on.
• Hidden words: add your full name, your school’s name and anything personal you don’t want people mentioning.
• Special Daily: set it to the amount you like, or off.
• New message alerts: on or off — your choice.
• Blocked senders: review the list now and then.
• Usage analytics: on or off — your choice.

• Post your link to Close friends first, then widen it once you like the vibe.
• Pick a specific game — a “Rate me” or a quiz invites playful replies; a blank “say anything” invites everything.
• Don’t reply to bait. Block, report, move on.
• Never post a reply that names or exposes someone else.
• Take breaks. Pausing your link is normal, not dramatic.
• If a message worries you — someone talking about hurting themselves or others — report it. If anyone is in danger right now, call 112.

1. Don’t answer the message on your story.
2. Open it and tap Report; pick the closest reason and tick “Block this sender too”.
3. Turn on Pause new messages for a while if you’re getting a lot.
4. Talk to someone you trust. Anonymous messages can feel personal even when they’re not.
5. For anything involving a child or a threat, also tell Loomii through the Report page on the website.

Parents can read our parents’ guide to anonymous apps. If you’re wondering whether someone can be identified, read can you find out who sent an anonymous message?. The complete guide covers sharing, games and comparisons.