Monkey is a social networking app that connects users via random video chats, aiming to build communities and foster global connections. Despite its noble intent, Monkey has been the subject of much controversy due to safety concerns, inadequate content moderation, and privacy issues. This comprehensive review delves into various aspects of the app, evaluating its features, user experience, and the critical challenges it faces.

Registration and Setup

Monkey offers several registration options through Google, Facebook, Apple, or phone number for mobile users. Users must be at least 18 years old and agree to the Community Guidelines. During registration, the app collects basic information such as Avatar Name, Date of Birth, Gender, Location (City Information), and an optional Bio.

However, it’s worth noting that while Monkey provides these registration options, there have been reports of issues during the sign-up process. For instance, some users have found that email registration, though listed as an option, is not actually supported for new accounts. Instead, they are prompted to use other methods, which can be frustrating for those who prefer email-based sign-ups. Additionally, the mobile app supports phone number registration, which some users might find more convenient or secure than linking their social media accounts.

Features

Monkey provides random video chats that can be either SOLO (1-on-1) or DUO (invite a friend). Before starting a chat, users can apply Gender and Region filters, which require a Monkey Plus subscription. Without the subscription, matches include users of all genders and regions. Subscribed users can filter matches by Girls Only, Guys Only, or Both, and regions including Europe, Latin America, North America, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, or North Africa.

The random video chat feature is the heart of Monkey, allowing users to connect with strangers worldwide. The app aims to replicate the spontaneity and excitement of meeting new people in real life, albeit in a virtual environment. The SOLO chat option connects two users for a one-on-one video conversation, while the DUO option lets users invite a friend to join the chat, making it a group interaction.

On the mobile app, users can choose to accept a chat or search for new friends after a successful match. On the PC, users directly enter the video chat interface upon matching. This slight difference in user flow between platforms can influence the overall experience, with some users preferring the immediate connection on PC and others appreciating the choice on mobile.

Users can access their chat history, send Super Messages, or unlock chats for 50 coins. This feature allows users to reconnect with previous matches, enhancing the social networking aspect of the app. However, the requirement to spend coins to unlock chats can be seen as a monetization strategy that might not sit well with all users.

The mobile app includes a Tinder-like swipe card feature, allowing users to swipe left to pass or right to like, and if both swipe right, they match and can start messaging or video calling. This feature blends the familiarity of dating apps with the social networking goals of Monkey, creating an engaging way to meet new people.

Monkey Plus is a subscription service offering benefits like unlimited matches, gender and region filters, no ads, and a unique badge. The pricing is $6.99 weekly or $13.99 monthly. The subscription model provides users with enhanced features and a more tailored experience, but it also introduces a paywall that might limit accessibility for some users.

Users can purchase coins to unlock chat histories, send gifts, or use Super Likes, with various packages available. This virtual currency system adds another layer of monetization, encouraging users to spend money for additional features and interactions. The coin packages are priced to appeal to different spending levels, from casual users to those willing to invest more heavily in the app.

User Experience

The app’s younger user base and TikTok-like vibes make it attractive for teenagers and young adults. Personal experience reports indicate matching with numerous users, predominantly from the United States, with many female users. However, the presence of underage users raises significant concerns.

One of the standout aspects of Monkey is its user-friendly interface, which is designed to be intuitive and engaging. The app’s design and features cater to a younger demographic, incorporating elements that resonate with users familiar with TikTok and other popular social media platforms. The ease of navigation and the immediacy of connections contribute to the app’s appeal, making it a popular choice for those looking to meet new people quickly and effortlessly.

However, the user experience is not without its drawbacks. Users frequently report being banned for minor infractions like not wearing a shirt, while more severe inappropriate behavior often goes unpunished. This inconsistency in enforcement leads to perceptions of arbitrary and non-transparent banning processes. Additionally, the introduction of pay-to-use features and the removal of certain functionalities have diminished the app’s appeal among long-time users.

Many users have encountered bots and scammers, and attempts to resolve issues with the app’s support are often met with bans rather than solutions. Basic functionalities, such as changing profile music, and ineffective AI-based support further frustrate users. The prevalence of bots and fake profiles can significantly detract from the user experience, making genuine interactions rarer and undermining trust in the platform.

Safety and Moderation

Apple removed Monkey from the App Store in 2019 due to numerous complaints about unwanted sexual behavior, including incidents involving minors. The Washington Post investigation revealed that about 2% of all iOS reviews of the app mentioned unwanted sexual experiences, prompting Apple to raise the age rating to 17 and older before ultimately removing it to protect its users, especially minors.

Despite Monkey’s claims of using machine learning to monitor and detect inappropriate content, many users have reported seeing explicit and harmful material. The app employs a 24/7 moderation team, but the rapid nature of video chat makes it difficult to report and address violations effectively. Users can report inappropriate content via a police emoji icon, but the effectiveness of this feature is questionable.

Monkey does not have stringent age verification processes. Although users are required to input their date of birth, there is nothing stopping a young child from entering a fake birthdate. This lack of verification allows both minors to join and adults to disguise their age, leading to potentially dangerous interactions.

The safety concerns surrounding Monkey are compounded by its inadequate moderation and enforcement policies. While the app employs AI to detect and block inappropriate content, the technology is not foolproof, and harmful material often slips through the cracks. The reliance on user reports for moderation also means that many incidents go unreported or unresolved, further compromising the safety of the platform.

Privacy and Data Handling

Monkey collects a significant amount of personal data from its users, including information from linked accounts (Google, Facebook, Apple), IP addresses, and usage statistics. The app’s privacy policy admits the inability to guarantee the protection of this information against loss, misuse, or alteration. This lax approach to privacy exposes users to risks such as data breaches and unauthorized surveillance.

The privacy concerns are not limited to data collection practices. Monkey’s terms and conditions allow the app to share user data with third parties, raising further questions about the security and confidentiality of personal information. Users must be aware that by using the app, they are potentially exposing themselves to significant privacy risks.

Moreover, the app’s approach to data handling and privacy is not aligned with best practices for protecting user information. The lack of end-to-end encryption means that communications on the platform are not secure, and there is a risk that sensitive information could be intercepted or accessed by unauthorized parties.

Content and Community Standards

Monkey’s community standards are self-governed, relying heavily on user reports to manage content violations. However, the rapid interaction format of the app means that inappropriate content often appears briefly and disappears before it can be reported. Users also complain about arbitrary bans and inconsistent enforcement of rules, which undermines trust in the app’s moderation system.

The community standards are intended to create a safe and respectful environment for users, but the lack of effective enforcement means that many violations go unchecked. Users frequently encounter explicit content, harassment, and other inappropriate behavior, which can create a hostile and unsafe environment.

The inconsistency in enforcement is another significant issue. Users report being banned for minor infractions, while more serious violations often go unpunished. This arbitrary application of rules creates frustration and erodes trust in the platform’s ability to maintain a safe and welcoming community.

Conclusion

While Monkey aims to provide a platform for global connections and spontaneous interactions, its numerous safety, privacy, and moderation issues make it a contentious app. The lack of stringent age verification, inadequate content moderation, and privacy concerns overshadow its potential as a social networking tool.

For users, especially minors, these issues pose significant risks, making it imperative for parents and guardians to monitor app usage closely. Despite its popularity among teenagers and young adults, Monkey needs to implement more robust safety and privacy measures to ensure a secure and positive user experience.

In summary, Monkey has the potential to be a vibrant social networking app if it addresses its critical challenges. Until then, users should approach it with caution and be aware of its limitations and risks. The app’s current state reflects a need for significant improvements in safety, privacy, and content moderation to fulfill its promise of creating meaningful and safe connections.