A new app is facing scrutiny over what some say are racist overtones. The app, SketchFactor, allows users to post "sketchy" incidents in a neighborhood and others vote on its usefulness. The app then gives notifications and rankings based on how sketchy a neighborhood is. But it is facing attacks from social commentators, who argue it is racist in nature.
Founders Allison McGuire and Daniel Herrington are finding themselves facing widespread criticism over what users are posting on the app and how it directs users away from predominantly minority areas of cities based on the predominantly white userbase, critics argue.
"There's a homeless shelter or something that houses the poor here. The residents hang out front and never bother anyone, but it's uncomfortable as you pass an otherwise nice area," reads one comment on the app.
Critics argue that this reinforces stereotypes and is a form of prejudice and racism that needs to be taken into account.
One commentator went as far as arguing that the app is part of an increasing "yuppie" culture consisting of privileged white people who are attempting to mold the world more and more into their desires.
"For those of you not fluent in yuppie, 'sketchy' designates areas that make privileged white people nervous because they are scared of groups of not-white people and can't find a nice place for brunch," writes Natasha Lennard for VICE. "And while there are grim and violent realities about certain neighborhoods - which it takes another kind of blasé white privilege to ignore - this idea of 'sketchiness' is the sole purview of the racist and classist. 'Sketchy to whom?' one must ask."
It is not the only app feature that is creating controversy. Facebook's Nearby Friends feature allows users to discover friends who are nearby or are on-the-go, Tech Times reports. But like SketchFactor, it is facing fears that it could invade one's privacy and users could have access to knowing the whereabouts of others without their wanting them to have that power.
For SketchFactor, the controversy could be a huge setback for the app, with it barely having the chance to hit the market before it has seen its main goal face criticism. Even as SketchFactor attempts to battle against the notion the app is inherently racist, writing on their blog, "Who we're not: racists, bigots, sexists. Any discriminatory posts will be deleted," it will be the public who will ultimately choose whether the app stays or whether it goes.
