'Ugly Meter' app worries parents

30 Apr 2012, 1:15 pm   -   Source: CNN
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An app that scans people's faces and gives them an 'ugliness' rating has stirred debate in the US, with some saying children should be protected from it.

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An app that scans people's faces and gives them an 'ugliness' rating has stirred debate in the US, with some parents children should be protected from it.

The 'Ugly Meter' was created by developer Jo Overline, who says it was only supposed to be entertaining, not insulting.

It was rated the top app in Apple's virtual store for several weeks, Overline says.

A tagline on the product reads:

"When your friends won't tell you the truth, Ugly Meter will."

However, some parents are outraged by the app, and worried about the impact it may have on children who could take its assessment of them seriously, or use it to insult others.

"It's hard enough being a kid," one mother told CNN.

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Your Comments

Retards

Callum Smith - from Gold Coast, 1 year

There are many things in the world that would hurt most peoples' feelings, "if you cant handle the heat, get out of the kitchen". If you dont toughen up, how will you survive?

Overreaction

Anonamous - from Gold Coast, 1 year

People should taken as it was meant, a joke, and anyone who will take it otherwise should not download it or take part in it. Seeing as iTunes is a self-download service anyone who downloads it and does find it offensive and complains is just ridiculous, you downloaded the app and YOU and ONLY you can choose apps that you think are inappropriate and it is your own fault.

Get with the times

Bob - from Melbourne, 1 year

Sure the app is probably inappropriate, but what can you do. Life and society changes, there are always different cultural differences and opinions. Parents just need to harden up their kids, because what happens when they leave home. I welcome this app, it's funny, it's different and get over it.

Why need apps?

LD Ash - from SA, 1 year

Yeah, no need, there's plenty of people in the street will be happy to do this job for free, especially in this country.

No

anonamous - from perth, 1 year

No way should there be an app that if you take a photo of someone and give them an ugliness rating.

Spoilt brats

Emerald - from Lennox Head, NSW, 1 year

How absurd! Sure, it could affect children's (and adult's) self esteem if they are silly enough to be allowed to (or give themselves access to) this application. If parent's provide children with the money to have access to this sort of application then their parent's have the money to deal with the consequences if this involves counselling. This is 'spoilt brat' material.

Really

EG Spannigspan - from Burbsville, 1 year

I feel so sorry for the kids with iPhones linked to mommy's credit card to purchase apps with...the developer needs to restore the confidence in these children by providing free Coach purses and Tommy Hilfinger apparel... Seems like only the wrong people are breeding themselves out.

Pokemon master

Steve - from Hell, 1 year

Check your grammar next time.

More like the stupidmeter

Sam - from Sydney, 1 year

This calculates the amount of stupidity one has with the 'ugly' rating multiplied by the reaction of the person receiving the rating.

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