What’s the Deal with this ‘New’ Social Media App Parler?
Some say Parlor, some say PAR-lay, either way you pronounce it, Parler is a new alternative to other social media site like Facebook and Twitter. Okay, actually it's been around since 2018, but with the political scene heating up, it has become relevant.
Over the weekend, I started seeing friends in my newsfeed, sharing a new way to communicate on social media, called Parler. Why in the world do we need one more app on our devices? If you've ever been in Facebook jail or you want to use more than 270 characters on Twitter, you might be looking for another outlet to connect. If you feel like your posts are censored or maybe the content you're seeing doesn't match up with what you want to see, perhaps the Parler app is something to look into.
In recent days, it has been reported that over two million people have joined the social media networking site that has actually been in existence since 2018. What makes the social media platform different from other popular social media sites like Facebook and Twitter and has probably led to recent jumps in growth is that it touts that it welcomes free speech using “unbiased algorithms.” It also does not “fact-check” or “censor” content, leaving it up to the user to decide what is true and what is false.
Their terms of service state, “You are responsible for your use of the Services and for any content that you post. Parler does not endorse, support, represent, or affirm the completeness, truthfulness, accuracy, or reliability of any of the content posted through the Services, nor does Parler endorse any opinions expressed through the Services. All content is the sole responsibility of the person who originated the content, and Parler does not take responsibility for such content.” It goes on to say that, “Parler may remove any content and terminate your access to the Services at any time and for any reason to the extent Parler reasonably believes (a) you have violated these Terms or Parler’s Community Guidelines, (b) you create risk or possible legal exposure for Parler, or (c) you are otherwise engaging in unlawful conduct—although Parler endeavors to allow all free speech that is lawful and does not infringe the legal rights of others.”
When I first glanced at this, I got excited and thought that Parlor Doughnuts had a new app. I quickly learned that this has nothing to do with the delicious layered pastries. Parler is a small company based out of Henderson, NV that is free and loose with their policies.
- Your Info is Secure - You know how when you talk about a product or service, and then like magic, you start seeing sponsored ads for those products on Facebook? Well, it looks like that will not happen with Parler. They will not share your information with companies.
- See Content You Want - Parler states that you can 'Curate your own experience', and that they will communicate any changes to the app.
- Verified Parler Citizen - Parler promises real human interaction. No bits or spam will be allowed.
I have not used the app, because I have a few questions first:
- Will there be cute doggie videos?
- Is there an awkward wave feature?
- Will copy written music be removed?
- Can I share a Youtube video?
- Is there a live video feature?
- What about Business Pages? Is this or will this be an option?
- Infrequent/Mild Alcohol, Tobacco, or Drug Use or References
- Infrequent/Mild Profanity or Crude Humor
- Infrequent/Mild Mature/Suggestive Themes
- Unrestricted Web Access
After various platforms censored posts from various conservative voices including President Trump, many right-wing heavy hitters have encouraged followers to join them on Parler including Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Sen. Rand Paul (R-Kentucky), White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany, the president’s son, Eric Trump Fox Business Network host Maria Bartiromo, and former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich.
While it appears to be growing in popularity (Based on my newsfeed on Facebook) Take a look at the information listed on Wikipedia HERE.
In coming weeks and months it will be interesting to see if this new social media platform will change the social networking landscape or if it will just become a new safe haven for cat videos.
Here's a quick video demonstrating setup and the Parler lingo: