Formspring is a website, which was only recently launched in November of 2009. It offers the ability to ask anonymous questions. Its popularity stemmed from teenagers who wished to obtain information and the site provided an easier way to get information. Like other social networking sites, Formspring has become popular, but is it safe?

Formspring developed from Formstack, an online form builder that promoted an easier way to share information. The developers noticed that Formstack users used their forms to let their readers ask them questions.  Eventually, the company created Formspring—another site designed specifically for questions and answers.

Despite Formspring’s newfound popularity, it has also opened doors of opportunity for cyber bullying, which has created much controversy. The option of anonymity on the site has spurred arguments and brawls between students. Although there is another option to include your own Formspring username, it is rarely used when asking questions.

The questions sent in anonymously gradually became ruder and crueler, and the website eventually began to transform into a tool for cyber bullying. The site has also received attention from the media when a girl committed suicide because of the demeaning comments left on her account. However, students remain to keep their accounts, but why? Why would they even bother to make an account in the first place?

           Various Formspring users admit that they joined “the bandwagon” when making a Formspring. In the site, it states, “our community is driven by a curiosity about what people think.” Users say that they have made an account to see what people may say about them. Many have received a taste of the darker side of Formspring and have deactivated their accounts. Some users have not experienced any type of harassment on the site. However, many who have received hateful comments on the site still remain.

It is still a mystery as to why these users keep their accounts, seeing as there are so many more cons to having one than pros. Formspring has definitely created much negativity among students and is unsafe.  Some parents have taken a strong opposition towards the irrational use of the site and have taken precautions to prevent their children from using Formspring.

It is impossible to control another person’s actions. Cyber bullying is unavoidable, no matter where you are on the Internet. However, creating an account on Formspring is much like asking someone to ridicule you. If a Formspring account is necessary to have, at least disable anonymous questions.

Nevertheless, users on Formspring say that disabling anonymous questions may defeat the purpose of the site and continue to allow anonymous questions. Although this may be true, Formspring’s purpose is not ground-breaking. The site has not created anything other than pure amusement.

Although the site was created as a simple tool for communication, it has taken a nasty turn. In spite of the site’s attempts in making it safer, Formspring will always be a dangerous website.