Parler

Parler is an alternative social media platform with a focus on microblogging. Its creators built the app and platform in response to censorship from Twitter. Unsurprisingly, various features from Twitter and other popular platforms exist in Parler. More than four million people use Parler across various operating systems today. Most people consider the app controversial, while many users claim the platform guarantees free speech.

A Sign-Up Process That Asks For A Lot of Personal Information

After downloading Parler, an individual creates an account and verifies their identity. Verification includes providing an email address and phone numbers. Users may optionally upload a form of government identification and even their social security number. Doing so allows Parler to verify identities and provide special badging for such users. At this point, it remains unknown whether Parler retains this information afterward.

Features Similar To Twitter and Other Social Media Platforms

Users then customize their profile with personal information and a picture. They can create posts with a maximum character count of 1,000 characters. Other users then place a "vote" or "echo" on a post, akin to likes and retweets. Currently, Parler relies on hashtags more so than Twitter, meaning hashtags litter the average post. Heavy users become accustomed to this setup, but newcomers may find the sheer number of hashtags confusing.

A Fine Design That Doesn't Break The Mold of Other Platforms

For the most part, Parler resembles Twitter with a different color scheme. The app includes individual user profiles, direct messages, and more. Most of these features work as intended, but Parler lacks the polish of Twitter. A simple design makes the app easy to navigate more often than not. Similarly, users probably won't consider the app's design unappealing or atrocious. Parler looks like any other social media platform.

A Platform Supposedly Dedicated To Free Speech

Perhaps the main draw of Parler involves its lack of content moderation. Parler claims to prioritize free speech and leaves self-moderation to the masses. However, a team of volunteers does moderate the platform in an uneven manner. Conservative users and conspiracy theorists tend to believe in Parler's free speech vision. The platform has been known to ban liberal viewpoints and users with no explanation.

Should You Download and Use Parler?

In the end, Parler continues to grow in popularity and user base. Recent events have seen the platform taken offline for inciting violence. It remains to be seen whether Parler regains its composure and continues its path to growth. For certain users, Parler offers free speech and a place to discuss controversial topics with others. Other users may not find the platform so inviting to their own viewpoints.

Pros

• The Parler app is designed well without many hiccups in daily use.

Cons

• Parler requests sensitive personal information in an intrusive manner.
• Overall security and safety on the platform is questionable.
• The platform's boast of free speech may not be accurate.
• Parler is often considered a home for conspiracy theories and lies.