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news-mashable-yahoopartner-blog · 7 years ago

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The 8 best sexting apps for all of your NSFW exchanges

Even in a world where online dating has become the norm and it's now possible to skip the tiring process of scouring bars and events for other singles in order to get a date, sometimes it's just the thought of going on the date that's tiring.

No matter what kind of encounter you plan, it will always require some sort of physical effort. We're going to put this simply: we all have sexual needs, and sometimes we'd just like to satisfy those needs with human connection that doesn't require the extra effort of meeting someone in person. For that, we have sexting.

SEE ALSO: iHookup review: A straightforward dating app that delivers on its promise

Sexting is the act art of sending sexually explicit photos or messages to one or more people. Since sexting, by nature, comes with a lot of factors to consider (consent and privacy, for example), we've picked out the best sexting apps to get you off — to a good start, that is.

Our number one pick goes to Plenty of Fish for covering the most bases. Its huge pool of singles and strategic new conversation features put it at the top. For privacy-weary sexters, our favorite is Confide, which we like for their Screenshield technology. (More on that later.) Kaboom takes the easy-access trophy, since it works on more or less any social media platform, so you can sext using whichever site you're already most comfortable using.

Here are the 8 best sexing apps for all your NSFW exchanges:

Plenty of fish: For those who want to get to know their sext-partner

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The breakdown: Plenty of Fish really has all the makings of a great sexting app. First off all, its reported registered user-base is over 150 million worldwide, with 57 million connections made every week. Like its name would suggest, there are plenty of fish in this sea, and odds are, some of them are looking to sext.

To conveniently narrow your search, the dating app's (somewhat long) introductory survey allows you to specify what you're looking for up front. When you choose "something casual/no commitment," you're much more likely to find someone in the same boat as you and can shorten the whole "what are you looking for" step of getting to know someone. Discretion is also something to be valued at Plenty of Fish, since they don't require you to connect any social media when signing up. Technically, you don't even have to use your real name — a username will suffice.

Once your profile is created, you can search random profiles based on the criteria of your choice, use their UltraMatch feature which matches you based on compatibility, their “meet me” feature, which is basically the dating site's hot or not option, or just see who’s nearby. All communication between members is totally free, so you don't have much to lose.

Game-changer: Plenty of Fish recently rolled out some new features that definitely upped its sexting potential. Called "Conversation Powers," users can now send voice messages, make video calls, and send photo messages. This lets users get more personal by seeing and even hearing each other in realtime (which, let's face it, can be a lot hotter than words on a screen) without having to fork over their phone number. The catch? These features only become available once users have been chatting for a certain period of time.

Not for impatient sexters: Aside from a lengthy sign-up process, some of the features on Plenty of Fish are designed to encourage lengthier interactions. For example, Conversation Powers only become available once users have been chatting for a certain period of time. While this might be frustrating for some users, it’s actually a great feature that encourages you to get to know the person you’re talking to a little better before you start exchanging pictures. We imagine few things are worse than realizing you don’t even vibe with someone after you’ve already sent them mirror shots of your private bits.

Image: Plenty of Fish

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Kaboom: For those obsessed with their social media accounts

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The breakdown: Kaboom is similar to Snapchat in that it allows users to send images and videos that will eventually disappear, or in Kaboom’s terms — self-destruct. What's different about Kaboom, though, is the fact that recipients don't even need to download the app to view the sender's message. Instead, the message (which can be a photo, video, or text) is shared via a link. Users can share the link through essentially any social media channel, including Facebook messenger, Twitter, and email. Kaboom doesn't save your messages to a server, so theoretically your private messages can't be hacked after the fact.

Why it's good for sexting: Kaboom takes Snapchat's best feature (the disappearing message) and makes it easier to share with more people. It doesn't require you to convert your sexts to any separate apps and allows you to utilize contacts you already have on other platforms. Messages are erased based on number or clicks or an amount of time, so you can have your photo message disappear after one click (view) if you don't want to risk the link being sent to anyone else.

Cons: Kaboom doesn't offer any form of screenshot protection, so it's easy for users to screenshot your messages while you remain oblivious.

Image: kaboom

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Confide: For when privacy is a top priority

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The breakdown: Confide was created based on the idea that your online conversations should be as private as your in-person conversations. According to the site, Confide's goal is to allow users to have "honest, unfiltered, off-the-record conversations." Unlike Kaboom, it focuses heavily on the "no screenshot" factor. Using "Screenshield technology," all messages sent and received on Confide can only be read one line at a time. To read, users either run their finger or mouse over the message line-by-line until they have read the entire thing (lines will disappear pretty much immediately after they are read.) Confided will also never show a user's name on the same screen as the message.

Why it's good for sexting: Nothing quite knocks the libido out of you like finding out your private messages have been screenshot and shared against your will. While a screenshot "notification" is better than no notification at all, we're pretty sure you'd rather the screenshot just not exist. Confide is your saving grace in that respect, since a screenshot of one line of a sext without your name attached isn't likely to be very incriminating.

Cost: Confide is free to use, but you can upgrade to Confide plus for premium features

Image: Mashable

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Dust: For those who want to remain completely anonymous

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The breakdown: Dust is another Snapchat-like app that focuses on disappearing messages with the addition of encryption. Though you can connect your social networks in order to see which of your contacts are also using the app, Dust doesn't require you to sign up with anything other than a username and password. Messages are never permanently stored and all will be erased after 24 hours, whether they have been read or not. Additionally, users can delete messages from their/other users' phones. Screenshot notifications are a thing, and like Confide, Dust will never show your name on the same page as your message, so a screenshot can never tie you directly to a piece of text.

Why it's good for sexting: Dust is theoretically totally untraceable, since you don't have to use self-identifying information to sign up and nothing is ever permanently stored. However, even the most careful sexters have slip-ups and may reveal too much, which is why the "delete message' feature is great.

Downsides: Dust actually does prevent screenshots in some spaces on the app (like messaging), but only on Androids. But for other operating systems: anyone can still screenshot what you send, so keep that in mind.

Image: dust

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Snapchat: For people who want to get the most out of a familiar app

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The breakdown: Snapchat has moved its way up the app food chain to become a staple in the mainstream social media roster, putting it on the same plain as Facebook and Instagram. But we haven’t forgotten its early roots, stepping into the spotlight as the OG sexting app.

You know that saying about how you can put lipstick on a pig? Well, similarly, you can add all the filters and celebrity stories you want, but Snapchat is still a great sexting app. The app’s main original function enables you to send pictures to other users which will automatically disappear within a few seconds. Users can choose a time limit of 1-10 seconds, or choose the infinity option which lets the recipient view the photo for as long as they want before they close out of the window. Additionally, the app also has a feature that notifies the sender if the recipient screenshots their photo. What that means: you can send bae a brief glimpse of the goods without worrying if they’re secretly showing it to others behind your back.

Why it's good for sexting: The more people you put in a space, the more chances you have to find what you’re looking for.

Cons: While the screenshot notification gives you the benefit of knowing when someone screenshots your pictures, it doesn’t really do much for you after the fact, since all you can really do at that point is confront the person and hope they’re respectful of your privacy.

Image: snapchat

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Tinder: The convenience of a dating app without the pressure to meet up

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The breakdown: Few haven't heard of Tinder, the widely-used hookup dating app that originated the "swipe right for yes, left for no" concept. The way Tinder works is pretty much just that. Users create a profile to which they can connect their Facebook and Instagram accounts. After filling in some basic info and typing a brief bio (of usually no more than three sentences), users can get to swiping. The app shows you other users based on location, and if you find one you like, just swipe right. If someone you like also swipes right for you, it's a match and you can proceed to message each other.

Why it's good for sexting: While Tinder is technically a dating app, its reputation tends to skew more towards a hookup app. But unlike more serious, paid apps like Match or Zoosk, Tinder tends to attract people who are open to something casual. Tinder's setup also makes for super easy browsing without the hassle of creating an in-depth profile, so you don't have to fill out all the compatibility-focused questions and can instead focus on the reason you're really there — to find someone you think is hot enough to sext with.

Bonus: According to a survey, over 70% of Tinder users never actually meet up with their matches in person. Normally this wouldn't be considered a bonus, but in the world of sexting? All we hear is "popular dating app where there's not a lot of pressure to actually meet up." Ding ding ding. We have a winner.

Image: tinder

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Match: For those who have outgrown Tinder

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The breakdown: So we know “sexting” probably isn’t the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Match. The dating site giant has been around for decades and claims to have led to more relationships and marriages than any other dating site. However, if there’s one weird wonderful thing about online dating, it's this: Anything can be a sexting app if you want it to be!

Why Match works as a sexting app: Like Plenty of Fish, Match has a large userbase of singles, comprised of more than 7.4 million paid members. If sexting is what you’re into, the odds are in your favor as far as finding someone who’s on the same page. You’re also not limited to which profiles you can interact with, so you’re not completely doomed if your recommended matches aren’t looking for something a little more risqué.

Cons: Match does tend to skew a more on the mature side, but on that note, if you feel you’ve surpassed the age limit on Tinder where you can't send messages without feeling a bit creepy, Match is a great option.

Cost: $26.99/month for three months or $20.99/month for a year's worth of premium. There's also a free version, but interaction with other users is extremely limited.

Image: match

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Zoosk: For those looking to combine fantasy with reality

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The breakdown: Zoosk is one of those dating apps that can really be good for whatever kind of relationship you're looking for. Unlike certain apps that are somewhat pigeonholed in their purpose (eharmony for creating marriages, for example), Zoosk leaves everything on the table. Like Match, Zoosk gives you a wide variety of ways to browse profiles, including their Carousel feature and Smartpicks option, which is a list of profiles Zoosk recommends. Zoosk has a huge user-base of over 40 million singles worldwide and offers a photo verification option, where users can verify their photos to ensure they actually look like their pictures.

Why it's good for sexting: Aside from a large pool of members and an easy-to-use app, Zoosk's photo verification factor really shines. In a world where fake profiles and catfishes are commonplace, knowing that who you're chatting with is actually as hot as you think they are can add a whole new level of excitement to your sext life.

Downside: Zoosk isn't free and doesn't offer any sort of screenshot protection. However, by paying for membership you're less likely to worry about reaching out to inactive accounts and wasting time talking to people who don't intend to get the most out of the app.

Cost: A one-month subscription is $29.95, three months is $19.98 per month, and six months is only $12.49 per month

Image: zoosk

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Sexting101:

While all of these options give you a great and in some cases a more private opportunity to exchange flirty messages, it's important to remember a few basic rules:

No app can completely protect your privacy for you — that's your job. Though apps like Confide and Dust have certain features that are designed to protect your identity/content, they don't rule out all scenarios. For example, someone doesn't need to take a screenshot to capture a picture you send. They could easily just use another phone or device to snap or record whatever you send. You should always keep this in mind before sending anything that could be compromising, and do your best to make sure you trust the person who's receiving your messages.

Assess the situation and know your audience. Usually it doesn't take much more than a few pre-sext texts (or pre-sexts) to gauge whether or not someone is interested in doing the cyber-dirty with you. Take the time to figure that out before you lead with something raunchy and uncalled-for. AKA don't just start throwing dick pics at people left and right if they didn't ask.

Be respectful: Privacy is sacred. The internet has the scary ability to make fleeting moments very permanent. If someone asks you to keep something to yourself, you better do it. While sexting can be light and fun, it also requires a serious level of trust. If you betray that trust, you're ruining it for everybody.

Sexting vs. dating in real life

Real-life dating is obviously the best way to get to know somebody long term, especially if you're looking for any kind of serious, in-person relationship. And real sex will always be better than sexting. *However,* sexting is an alternative that may help you out in ways you didn't even think about.

Convenient: Whether you plan on actually wining and dining your date or just meeting to hook up, it always requires some extra effort. For those with super hectic schedules or those who just don't have room in their life (for whatever reason) for a steady in-person relationship, sexting is practically a saving grace. After all, your sex drive doesn't go away just because you're busy. Sexting allows you to take care of your sexual needs without putting yourself out.

Liberating: As is the case with most behind-the-screen activities, with sexting, you can let go of your inhibitions a bit and feel more comfortable exploring your sexual side knowing there's a certain barrier between you and the other person. You can experiment with language and ideas that maybe you wouldn’t feel completely comfortable exploring in person.

Safe: We've touched on the reasons why sexting might not be completely safe in terms of privacy, but to its credit, sexting offers an element of safety that in-person meetings don't. Sexting allows you to interact with both people you know and total strangers without putting yourself in dangerous or unwanted physical situations. Your experience should always be what you want it to be, and with sexting, if it's not going in the direction you want, it's just a matter of closing an app.

#_author:Dorothy Pitti #_uuid:eda29fff-d742-30d6-a7d6-3492fb2e6fa9 #_lmsid:a0Vd000000DTrEpEAL #_revsp:news.mashable

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takenews-blog1 · 7 years ago

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Confide makes its iOS messaging app ‘screenshot proof’

New Post has been published on https://takenews.net/confide-makes-its-ios-messaging-app-screenshot-proof/

Confide makes its iOS messaging app ‘screenshot proof’

Messaging app Confide, which was final 12 months touted as a preferred selection in Trump’s White Home for workers desirous to leak intel to the press, has added safety in opposition to screenshotting to its iOS app.

The iOS app beforehand put some limitations on how customers might screenshot contents when utilizing the app — however full anti-screenshotting tech was restricted to its Android app.

Not anymore, says co-founder Jon Brod. “ScreenShield is a group of a number of completely different applied sciences that work collectively to forestall varied screenshots and display recording strategies,” he says, discussing the brand new characteristic.

“There are a lot of methods to seize a screenshot or make a display recording on iOS, and every technique requires completely different dealing with. One of many latest prevention applied sciences that we added to our toolkit makes use of the identical content material safety APIs already utilized by Netflix, iTunes Films, and different video streaming apps. Now we have constructed upon the underlying know-how to forestall seize of different media sorts together with textual content, images, paperwork, stickers, and extra. Importantly, we’re solely utilizing public iOS APIs in our ScreenShield know-how.”

Anti-screenshotting know-how like that is actually simply safety theatre, in fact.

Not least as a result of all it takes is a second system, unconnected however in shut proximity to the primary, to snap away and file its on-screen contents regardless.

Even so, Brod claims there’s nonetheless worth within the characteristic, regardless of such an apparent loophole. “Whereas nothing is 100% foolproof, we imagine the mixture of our end-to-end encryption, ephemerality, and now full screenshot-prevention makes Confide essentially the most personal and safe messenger out there,” he claims.

Nevertheless fairly extra critical prices of flawed safety have been leveled on the messaging platform final March — when researchers demonstrated it was attainable to intercept encrypted Confide messages, and claimed the platform might in reality decrypt and skim customers’ missives (fairly undermining its end-to-end encryption declare).

Requested about this now, Brod says all the safety points raised by the researchers have been addressed “in a well timed vogue as quickly as they have been reported to us final 12 months”.

“Confide applied security codes, that are a cryptographic hash that features all public encryption keys for an account. Customers can validate the keys utilized by Confide‘s end-to-end encryption by guaranteeing that the security code displayed on their system matches the one displayed on their contacts’ system. We additionally enable customers to be notified if the security code for one among their contacts modifications,” he tells us.

“We additionally underwent a complete third-party safety audit together with blackbox, greybox and whitebox testing, protecting each the consumer and server. The manager abstract of the audit is printed on our web site.”

And whereas a third-party audit is a welcome improvement, the presence of such critical flaws in Confide’s crypto implementation within the first place stays regarding.

And for anybody with ongoing considerations concerning the robustness of its crypto, different end-to-end encrypted messaging apps can be found.

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