What is WeAre8? What parents need to know

Launched in 2022, WeAre8 bills itself as the world’s only sustainable social media app. It achieves this by paying users to watch adverts and fill out surveys. Users can then choose to donate the money they earn to various social causes. Alternatively, users can have the money paid out to their PayPal account.

Of WeAre8’s total revenue, 60% goes back to the community. 50% of revenue goes to the platform’s users, 5% to goes to charities, and 5% goes to their own content creators.

The app also aims positively impact the wellbeing of its userbase by building a platform with ‘no anonymity or toxic algorithms’. Through this, they hope to eliminate cyberbullying on the app.

WeAre8 is currently the only B-Corp certified social media platform in the world. A B-Corp certification means it operates at the highest level of social and environmental performance. This certification requires transparency so that B-Corp can judge the company on different factors.

Minimum age requirements

WeAre8 is a platform designed for users aged 13+. Children between the ages of 13 and 18 can use the app with the consent and validation of a parent or guardian.

However, despite these age limits, there is no age verification process on the app. This means children under 13 could lie about their age and start accounts despite the app not being suitable for them.

Why do people use WeAre8?

Your child might want to create a WeAre8 profile for various reasons.

Perhaps the biggest draw is the ability to earn money by watching adverts. The prospect of a money making method that does not require you to even leave the house or do any work is appealing.

Some people might want to use WeAre8 so that they can feel like they are a part of the positive social change the app aims to drive. Being a part of a community that helps others can improve self-esteem and mental well-being.

Many of the features that make other social media platforms attractive also exist on WeAre8. The app uses an endless scrolling system, similar to TikTok or Instagram reels. This makes it easy to continue scrolling for long periods, consistently wanting to see ‘just one more’ post.

Increased screen time

WeAre8’s model of paying their userbase to watch adverts does give users an incentive to increase their screentime. Using the app more allows them to earn more money. The encouraged scrolling can make it harder for teens to take regular breaks, which could negatively impact wellbeing.

However, WeAre8’s CEO Zoe Kalar says the platform aims to reduce the time we spend on social media. The platform encourages users to scroll less and spend only 8 minutes on the app each day. After spending 8 minutes on the app, users will receive a notification reminding them to get off the app and disconnect from screens.

Despite this, WeAre8 often sends notifications to your phone informing you about new content posted on the app. This can tempt users to open the app when they otherwise wouldn’t have.

Managing money

As adverts pay money, users can choose to donate it to charities and social causes, use it to pay their EE bills, or send it to their PayPal. With real money being used on the platform, parents or carers should get involved in the safety and management of a young person’s 8Wallet.

The amount of money paid out by watching ads is relatively low though. Users can earn between 6p and 20p for each advertisement they watch on the platform. Because of this, a user would have to watch a lot of adverts to earn a notable amount of money.

Potentially harmful content

WeAre8 moderates content to limit the risk of hateful posts or adult content on user feeds. Despite this, there are still many posts focused on celebrities or beauty advice. This can expose users to unrealistic beauty standards, which can negatively impact their self-image or lead to anxiety.

WeAre8 offers a unique alternative to other social media platforms, so it may be a good option if you don’t want your teen to use traditional social media. The platform encourages positivity and social change. This exposure could benefit your child more than other social media networks, as it will help them think critically about their impact on the wider world.

We recommend checking who your child adds as a friend. Doing this ensures they do not add anyone they do not know and who could potentially send or post abuse or adult content.

The potential to earn money through ads could tempt users to spend a lot of time on the app. We recommend setting up an agreement with your child regarding how much time they spend on WeAre8 using our screen time guides.

It is also important that your teen knows how to use the money they earn through the app appropriately. Read our online money management guides to help them learn how to manage their money smartly and safely.