You may have come across the Fling app in conversation, in your child’s phone, or in an online safety discussion group. It’s often described as a modern take on the “message in a bottle” — instead of a note in a bottle, users send a photo, video or text message out into the world and wait to see who replies.
Here’s what parents need to know about how it works and what to watch out for.
What is the Fling app?
Fling – Message the World was designed as a messaging app for iOS and Android. According to its creators, Unii, it was built as “an exciting way to share life’s moments. Anyone, anywhere, can simply grab their smartphone and fling a photo, video or text message to the world.”
Here’s how it works: a user writes or records a message — a photo, video or piece of text — and it gets “flung” to 50 random users anywhere in the world. When someone sends a fling, they have no idea where it will land or who will see it.
If a fling gets a reply, the user can then start messaging that person privately by double-tapping on their reply and composing a new message.
In short, it’s a way of connecting with complete strangers rather than with friends or contacts you already know.
Why should parents be aware of it?
1. You can chat with strangers
The whole idea behind the app is to connect you with random people around the world. Unlike messaging apps such as WhatsApp or Snapchat, there’s no friends list — it’s built entirely around talking to people you don’t know.
Only a username and general location are shared when a fling is sent, but once a conversation starts, it’s easy for people to move on to sharing phone numbers and other personal details.
You might also find our guides to Instagram and Snapchat useful too.
2. Anyone can set up an account
Signing up only requires an email address, a first name, an optional gender, and a birthday. The app was intended for users aged 13 and up, but there’s no way to actually verify anyone’s age — a child could easily enter a false name or birthday.
3. You can receive inappropriate messages
When TechCrunch tested the app shortly after its launch, reviewers reported receiving explicit images from strangers, including a topless photo. Because messages go out to random users with no filtering, there’s no way to control who ends up seeing — or sending — something inappropriate.
Users can swipe right on a message to report unsavoury content they receive.
5. Messages remain forever
Unlike Snapchat, messages sent through Fling don’t disappear. If a child does send something they later regret, it can stay on other people’s phones indefinitely. It’s a good reminder never to share anything you wouldn’t want to see resurface later.
As online safety expert Wayne Denner has put it: “As always, think twice before posting, look after your privacy and don’t give out any personal information as strangers may contact you.”
You might also find these useful: 11 Apps & Sites to be Aware Of and our tips on being a webwise parent.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Fling app?
Fling – Message the World is a messaging app that lets users send a photo, video or text message to 50 random strangers around the world, rather than to friends or contacts. If someone replies, a private conversation can begin.
Is the Fling app safe for kids to use?
It carries real risks. Because it connects users with strangers rather than known contacts, and there’s no meaningful age verification, children may be exposed to inappropriate content or messages from people they don’t know.
What age is the Fling app intended for?
The app was designed for users aged 13 and over, but sign-up only requires an email address and self-entered birthday, so age isn’t actually checked or verified.
How can I report inappropriate content on Fling?
Within the app, users can swipe right on a message they receive to report unsavoury or inappropriate content.
Related Articles
- What is Snapchat? A Guide for Parents
- Advice for Parents About Kids on Instagram
- 11 Apps & Sites to be Aware Of
- 10 Tips for Being a Webwise Parent
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