For someone who’s never heard of Pokemon, the idea of seeing millions of people running around waving phones in the air to catch virtual pockets monsters is absurd as it looks in actuality. But when everyone is doing it, suddenly it’s kind of normal.
So while no one is embarrassed to admit they’ve downloaded Pokemon Go, it got us thinking: What apps are you afraid to admit you have on your phone?
We know asking that is like asking to share your recent Google searches (which we can address another time), so in the spirit of solidarity, here are a few responses from the TNW team:
Boris Veldhuijzen van Zanten, CEO:
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A couple of months ago I decided to work out a bit more. I started looking for apps that looked good and had an Apple Watch app. I tested a whole bunch of them and liked an app called Zova.
One day a friend of mine asked me about what apps I used for workouts and I demoed Zova for him. Halfway through he says ‘That’s an app for girls, right?’ I look at him, at the app, and realize he’s totally right. I just never realized it. Even though the ‘Toned Butt & Thighs’ focus was pretty clear and the only photos used were of girls.
But screw it, right? As long as it works.
Natt Garun, US Editor:
Like most people on the internet, I like to appear as palatable as I can when it comes to illustrating and broadcasting my life on social media.
Which is why I hate to admit that the app Spring lives on my phone. I’m a petite girl at 5’2, and while that’s pretty standard where I come from, in the US and Netherlands were my coworkers are more than a foot taller than me on average, sometimes I do feel rather tiny. Spring lets me digitally edit my photo to appear slightly taller, or at least just a bit more proportionate. I don’t use it religiously for every picture, but when I look at little squat, it definitely comes in handy for those less-than-confident days.
Spring was developed by a Korean company, which isn’t surprising given the massive beauty industry there, but now you know our secrets.
Napier Lopez, Reporter:
Disclaimer: I feel no embarrassment whatsoever about having this app on my phone, so maybe it shouldn’t be on this list. Nonetheless, some people might find it excessive to have an app for emergency cookies on their phone’s homescreen.
If you live in NYC or around many a college campus, you’ve probably heard of Insomnia Cookies. If not: They make delicious, fresh-baked cookies delivered to your doorstep until 3:00AM in the middle of the night. If you don’t currently live in New York City (or other cities Insomnia serves, here’s a good reason to move.)
As something of a night owl, this happens several times a week. I use the Insomnia app more often than I use the likes of Uber and Venmo.
No shame here. Cookies make the world a better place.
Matt Navarra, Head of Content:
I’ve had this app on my phone for about a year now. I forget about it for months, then I find myself showing a friend, family member, or work colleague my iPhone homescreen or new apps downloaded, and this app ends up presenting itself!
I have YouCam Makeup as my 6-year-old daughter loves the app, and it keeps her quiet on long trips in the car. But no matter what you say to justify yourself for having the app, you can tell my peers’ ears are listening, but their brain is screaming “BULLSHIT!”
Whatever. That’s my excuse and I’m sticking to it.
Over to you: What are some apps you’re embarrassed to admit you use or have on your phone? This is a judgement-free zone.
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