What is Parler App? Why This Social Media Network is Getting Buzz After Election 2020
The 2020 election may have you coming here to answer the question what is Parler app? Let’s look at this not-so-new social media app and why all of of a sudden it’s a getting a lot of buzz on Twitter and Facebook.
UPDATE: Since this went live on November 9, 2020 – there have been massive updates, a huge surge in popularity and well, now the conservative social media site is offline.
Yes, you read that right – Parler is NO MORE – at least for now. Read what happened to Parler App – learn the timeline of events and what happened – including closure, suspension, data hacks and a lawsuit.
One of the things, when starting Digital Mom Blog – I wanted to do, is keep parents informed when new social media things hit. It’s crazy to think that when this site was started, the Instagram app hadn’t yet launched. Oh the things we have seen.
Leaving Facebook for Parler (or Twitter)
This weekend, if you frequent Facebook, Instagram or Twitter – maybe you have seen people posting about Parler. I am going to do my best to remain unbiased as I talk about what Parler app is. The political climate is quite heated at the moment (yes, unfortunately still – but hopefully that will change.) If you need some humor, don’t miss our funny memes.
Here are a few posts from Facebook on what people are posting about leaving Facebook for Parler:
- Leaving Facebook permanently soon. Parler is my preferred social media platform. Unbiased.
- *Parler username* on Parlor. Deleting face book soon. Please send me a message with contact info if you’d like to keep in touch with me old school style.
- I am not a sheep, never have been and never will be. So if you want to follow/keep up with me check out the Parler App. 100% conservative, America 1st! A place where you can actually find out what is going on and what we can be doing about it. Because believe me, we need to get our squashed voices back and be doing something or America isn’t going to be America anymore. Please take a stand with me! If you’d like a link shoot me a message, because I’m sure if I put it here facebook would block it.
Ready to leave Facebook?
Make sure you learn how to download your Facebook data!
Parler App Not Parlor App
The first thing you should know there are actually 2 apps in the app store that are named Parler. The one that is getting the buzz is PARLER app – not the PARLOR app or the Parlor Social Club app. So if you can’t find your friends that said they left Facebook for the Parler app….
(especially after reading thru random public Facebook posts about leaving Facebook. It is the PARLER app that people are joining, not the Parlor app!)
This is the bad thing about misspellings, who knows how many people are downloading the Parlor app or the Parlor Social Club app. If anything they are getting free press from Facebook posts! If you can’t find your friends, make sure that you have downloading the right app.
What is Parler App
Parler is a social media and microblogging service created in August 2018. Yes, it’s been around for a few years – but why are you just now hearing about it? We will get into that. Parler is available as an app or you can use on the web, just like you would most other social platforms.
From Parler’s website, this is what their viewpoint is on what Parler is
Speak freely and express yourself openly, without fear of being “deplatformed” for your views. Engage with real people, not bots. Parler is people and privacy-focused, and gives you the tools you need to curate your Parler experience.
parler.com
From wikipedia:
Parler is a United States-based microblogging and social networking service launched in August 2018. Parler has a significant user base of Trump supporters, conservatives, and Saudi nationalists. Posts on the website often contain far-right content, antisemitism, discuss and conspiracy theories. The site has been described as an alternative to Twitter, and is popular among people who have been banned from mainstream social networks or oppose their moderation policies. The site markets itself as a “free speech” and unbiased alternative to mainstream social networks such as Twitter and Facebook. However, journalists and users have criticized the service for content policies that are more restrictive than the company portrays, and sometimes more restrictive than those of its competitors.
wikipedia.com
Like Twitter Not Like Facebook
Something that many new Parler users are noticing is that the social media platform is very similar to Twitter – not like Facebook.
Facebook offers a newsfeed, photo albums, connections with family and friends, groups, pages – this is a totally different social media experience then that of Parler.
If you are looking to read or participate in conversations, predominantly focused towards conservatives – in a unfiltered (for the most part) Twitter like format – this is what this newish platform currently provides.
Regardless if you fall left or you fall right – I hope you can laugh.
Enjoy these funny Parler memes (for all!)
Signing Up for Parler Account
You will need a valid mobile phone number that you can reach SMS messages on to sign up for a Parler account.
While there were rumors that you would need an ID (or perhaps at one time you did) to sign up – now only a valid email and mobile number is required for a free account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are frequently asked questions about this up and coming social network platform:
Why is Parler Controversial
While I am not someone who sits on Twitter, I did see several friends saying they were leaving Facebook and Twitter for Parler. Though, I should say – these friends haven’t actually left Facebook – they are still posting the same stuff but I am guess now also on Parler.
Parler app has a significant user base of Trump supporters and conservatives. It is noted for its far-right and alt-right, conspiratorial, antisemitic, and anti-feminist content. The site also includes anti-Muslim content, although it also has a substantial user base of Saudi nationalists who support Crown Prince and de facto prime minister of Saudi Arabia, Mohammed bin Salman. Both The Independent and The Forward have noted the presence of antisemitic content.
Is Parler Only for Conservatives?
While the Parler social media service will say that it is open to all – the majority of it’s current user base is conservative. The new growth is mostly spurred by the election 2020 results.
Is Freedom of Speech Bad on Social Media?
The United States prides itself on freedom of speech. Yes, it is an American right. The bad becomes when radical ideas and misinformation is spread.
While in the past, rules for posting on social media were lax – things changed. Social networks, primarily Twitter and Facebook have established rules for their platforms. So when using those platforms, if you say something that the network feel goes against their rules or is spreading misinformation – they will not let your post be seen.
Because misinformation to some, is in the eye of the beholder, and that they should not be censored – they haven’t taken to finding alternative social networks that allow for looser rules and guidelines and more opportunity to say what they feel without being fact checked.
Parler has positioned itself as the social media service that you can speak without being censored. Facts are not checked by the social network.
Recent news of a police chief getting fired over what was said on Parler. Remember, just because you have the right to freedom of speech – it doesn’t mean that the world or your employer won’t call you out on it.
Who Owns Parler?
Parler was founded by John Matze and Jared Thomson in Henderson, Nevada in 2018. As of June 2020, Parler has been funded by angel investors. As of that time, the company was not profitable.
What are the Parler Rules?
Wait, Parler rules? I thought this was an uncensored social media platform? Not quite. There are somethings that you aren’t allowed to talk about on Parler.
Parler’s site guidelines disallow content including pornography, obscenity, or indecency; blackmail; support for terrorism; false rumors; promoting marijuana; and “fighting words” directed towards others.
Why is Parler Not Working?
With the 2020 election, Parler maybe slow or even down. There is a large user surge due to conservative political figures threatening to quit other social media platforms and jump onto Parler.
Is Parler Bias?
To properly cover the Parler app and social network – I joined to see what the deal was. After signing up for an account, the first thing was to follow people. When searching members, the following are the first Parler members displayed. These were also the ones included in the recommended to follow:
Why Does Twitter Censor People?
Twitter has come under fire by some for it’s censorship of it’s members, including President Donald Trump. Here is what Twitter has to say. A lot of the move to Parler has to do with Trump supporters moving for no censorship.
How Many Members Does Parler Have?
The current number of Parler members is not disclosed, but it is said (newsweek) that up to 2 million people have joined the freedom of speech network since Biden won the 2020 election. As of July 2020, it is said that Parler has 2.8 million members.
For comparison, Twitter has 300 million active users (estimated) and Facebook has 2.6 billion active users (estimated) source: wikipedia.
Is Parler Free?
Yes, Parler is free to use. There is not a clear transparent disclosure on how money is made. Presumably this is done thru sponsorships, advertising for things such as promoted members and promoted links.
Remember, there is no such thing as free!
Can I Moderate Comments?
Parler allows users to moderate comments to their posts. Unlike other networks that provide hiding and deleting functions after a comment goes live, Parler lets you decide in advance if you want to moderate a comment.
Does Parler Own My Content?
Yes, Parler owns your content. What you post on the network is owned by the network after you post. Per the user agreement – You grant to Parler a license to any content posted by you to the Services, including a worldwide, non-exclusive, royalty-free license (with the right to sublicense) to use, copy, reproduce, process, adapt, modify, publish, transmit, display and distribute your content. You agree that Parler or its service providers or partners may display advertising in connection with your content and otherwise monetize your content without compensation to you.
What Are Parler Virtual Items?
In reading thru the user agreement, there is mention of virtual items. This does not appear to be in use as of now, but possibly be the direction they are headed for monetizing their platform.
Will Parler Take Over Facebook?
While Parler would love to take over Facebook, this is doubtful. The social media experience is 2 different arenas. While I do think Parler will grow, I don’t think the mega social media giant Facebook is going anywhere anytime soon.
Are Kids on Parler?
Currently, Parler is not filled with kids or teenagers. I am not seeing an age limit right, off. Chances are that members will not be able to join before the age of 13 due to COPPA rules. Twitter deleted profiles this past summer of kids under 13.
Are There Groups on Parler?
There are not groups like Facebook groups on Parler. The easiest way to find people talking about the things you are interested in is to search for a hashtag of your topic.
Can I Report Users?
Yes, if you find content unacceptable – you can report a user by clicking on the down arrow to the right of the user’s name. The fourth option should be to report the user. You can also mute, block, follow or subscribe/unsubscribe to users using this down arrow button.
Is There Pornography on Parlor?
I have not spent much time on Parlor, but do have to say – while the rules say that pornography is not allowed on Parlor, many suggestive images have appeared in my feed in the short amount of time I have been on the new platform.
Why is Parler Controversial
While I am not someone who sits on Twitter, I did see several friends saying they were leaving Facebook and Twitter for Parler. Though, I should say – these friends haven’t actually left Facebook – they are still posting the same stuff on Facebook – but I am guess now also on Parler.
Here is what Wikipedia says about Parler
Parler has a significant user base of Trump supporters and conservatives. It is noted for its far-right and alt-right, conspiratorial, antisemitic, and anti-feminist content. The site also includes anti-Muslim content, although it also has a substantial user base of Saudi nationalists who support Crown Prince and de facto prime minister of Saudi Arabia, Mohammed bin Salman. Both The Independent and The Forward have noted the presence of antisemitic content.
wikipedia
Before You Join
Here are a few things to know before you sign up for your free account.
Valid Identity
To ensure it’s members are valid, you will need a accurate email address that you can check, as well as a mobile phone number (Google number will not work.) When switching from the app to web, you maybe prompted to enter a security number that was texted to you. Another step to ensure who you are is who you are.
Community Guilelines
Read the rules, terms of service and privacy policy. While the network touts itself as being for freedom of speech – they do limit what you talk about.
Owned Content
Remember, per their terms of service – Parler owns the content that you post. While this is not out of the norm in regards to social media guidelines – watch what you post.
Being Banned From Parler
Along with the free speech social network narrative, there are people who have been banned from Parler. Some users are saying that this happened when questioning Parler’s tactics. Just food for thought. You do you. (source: techdirt.com)
Understand Fact vs Fiction
The biggest downside, personally I feel – is that the fact vs fiction element to posts are up to the user. While yes, free speech – that same freedom is what caused the rise of QANON and other crazy conspiracies. Yes, I am totally aware that half of the country does not trust media and some even doubt science.
All I am saying is proceed with caution and don’t take everything as a fact. That should be a standard in every social media environment.
Download the App
Parler can be accessed via the web or app. Here are the links to download:
- Apple iOS
- Android
Parler News
Here are some recent headlines on this new social network. Please gather from this what you may. There are many opinions and what I wanted to provide here was an understanding and answer to why people are leaving facebook for Parlor (and Twitter), what it was, who was moving and what you should know before you join.
- Parler Tops App Charts
- Parler’s CEO Comments on Trump Twitter Fact Checks
- QANON Surviving After Crackdown
- The Site Where Hate Speech Lives
- Trolls and Parler
