How to Communicate Anonymously with Vibe

how to:How to Communicate Anonymously with Vibe

Posted by Rachel Silver in Collaborate Effectively, Mobiles Phones in Activism, Stay Safe and Anonymous Online, Mobile Digital Security, Plan and Strategize, Video for Change
originally posted on September 28, 2011

Vibe is an app for the iPhone and iPad that displays thoughts (text and photos) posted by nearby users. There's no registration so it's quick, easy and anonymous. To contribute to the vibe, just post what's on your mind and select how far and for how long you want it visible. Vibe allows you to share text, photos, and videos with people within 160 feet or miles away and for as little as 15 minutes or up to 30 days. You also have the option to tweet your vibes to your followers.

According to the Daily News, protestors taking part in the #occupywallst demonstrations used Vibe to communicate with fellow protestors. Because its lcoalized and anonymous protestors can use it to warn their peers when they know security forces are approaching without making themselves known to the police or sharing information to all of their followers on twitter who aren't at the demonstration.

Share

Step 1

Download Vibe from the iPhone or iPad appstore.

Step 2

Once the app is downloaded. Adjust your settings:

Choose between Km and Miles
Select a Signature
Sync to Twitter

Step 3

Go to the 'Vibes' tab (you will see several icons at the bottom of the app's screen, choose the one that is two little word bubbles). Adjust the sliding miles bar at the top to your desired distance. If you are using Vibe during a protest or demonstration you'll likely want this to be set at 5 miles or less.

Step 4

Start posting and reading Vibes. You'll need to select the distance you want to the Vibe to reach as well as the lenght of time you want it to be available. Options are:

How far:

Whisper: 160 feet / 50 meters
Speak: 160 feet / 500 meters
Shout: 31 miles / 50 kilometers
Yell: 311 miles / 500 kilometers
Bellow: worldwide

How long:

15 minutes
1 hour
1 day
14 days
30 days

You also have the option to add media to the Vibe or Tweet it out to all your followers.

Tip!

Spread the word about Vibe. Tell your friends on Facebook and Twitter to download Vibe so you can communicate easily and anonymously about events that are happening locally. Make it known to your peers that Vibe will be the best way to keep up to date on announcements that will pertain to their security and safety.