Is Linky AI Safe? A Linky App Review for Parents

Harmful Content 😲

Users can create and chat with AI characters about any subject they desire. This could mean something innocent like role-playing a job interview, but it could also include sexual or explicit interactions. Most character conversations revolve around having crushes or sexual relationships and the photos that appear on the home screen often display animated characters in skimpy clothing. Linky claims there are a variety of purposes to the app, but it clearly pushes sexually mature conversations and hashtags. Users can also toggle on NSFW (not safe for work) content so that it displays in their feed.

Users can participate in role-play conversations with AI mentors and friends. It’s important to note that these fake conversations could lead to a false sense of support and connection. If your child needs help or encouragement, it’s important that they speak with a real person, not AI.

The link to Discord is also a concern, as the app comes with its own set of dangers.

Predation 🚨

Linky users are not required to add personal information like name, age, or photos into their profile, but the option is there and this information is often targeted by predators. Users are encouraged to create AI characters of themselves and start role-playing with their character, which could give others information about their physical traits and personality. Linky also offers the ability to message with other creators once you start sharing content, which can lead to dangerous and predatory conversations. 

Once logged into the Linky app, users are given an automatic invitation to join the Linky Discord server. Discord is a large social platform used for messaging, and it’s often used by predators to make fake profiles and target children.

Privacy 🔒

Users have to enter their email and birthday upon logging into the Linky app, but the information is not displayed in the profile. There is the option to add a name and profile photo, as well as an AI clone.

Parental Controls ✅

Linky does not offer parental control options, so parents would need to use another monitoring tool such as Bark.

Bark can help you stay in control by letting you:

• Block the Linky app completely, if needed.
• Manage when your child can use the Linky app throughout the day.

So, should my kid download it?

No, Linky is not safe for children of any age. The app offers little positive value and pushes risqué and sexually explicit content. There’s the chance your child will connect with another user using a false profile or start talking to people on Discord. The app could also lead your child to develop unhealthy coping and social skills by interacting with AI instead of real people.