I was surprised when I found out people really used Yelp!
Sometime a couple of years ago, some of my more douchebaggy pals were discussing where to eat lunch. One of them began yapping at the other one about this restaurant that he wanted to try. The other, less aggressive douche whipped out his smartphone and began typing feverishly, thumbs blurred. I asked was he getting directions, he said:
Nah, I wanna see what Yelp says about it.
I was blown. I thought only old folks, tourists, and tin foil hat purists used Yelp! in real life. Come to find out that my place of employment is even on there, but I refuse to look for myself for the fact that I may be in the comments, dragged through proverbial mud — by name — for the deliverance of shitty less than stellar customer service. Which brings me to my next point.
There is a new Yelp-like app called Peeple, created by Julia Cordray and Nicole McCullough, that gives the user the ability to rate people in real life, using a five-star system. 
In other words, you can give a person a score based on their perceived quality as a human being. Users are required to log in under actual names, must be 21, and, allegedly, negative comments will not be allowed. Long before the app’s November launch, the team is already promoting an anti-bullying sentiment.
When I first heard about it, I withheld my wily judgment and simply laughed, because I didn’t think this was real. Peeple, or the concept of the forthcoming app, is already executed within all the preexisting social media platforms. You, nay, we judge and rate people everyday online. The need to have a specified venue for what is already prevalent is a bit excessive if you ask me. Which you kinda did when you clicked the link. Ha.
I get it. People want an unmitigated avenue to bitch and complain about other people they don’t like. That’s understandable. But to isolate and highlight and give people the pinpointed opportunity to tear someone else down in the name of a social rating system is absurd. The levels of bullshit are extremely high with this one. To me, it’s funneled hate, packaged in a way that the provided “entertainment” will totally eclipse any immoralities created. More people will be cheering than jeering, clamoring than complaining for Peeple, because bloodlust is real in today’s world. Already the app is being referred to as “something so dark and vile that it may cause people with low self esteem to hurt or kill themselves.”
Damn.
But make no mistake; this is no different than Facebook. If you really want that drama, and feel the need to score someone on the life, do it there, on FB, where your friends, coworkers, and family members can see the kind of POS you are in real time.
If I were technically inclined, I’d be working on an app that let’s you meet up and fight at a local park. Seems like some shit that would make money these days.
For more on Peeple, or to join before the wave drowns us, visit forthepeeple.com
tonygrands.com 