The Worst Apps on Smart Phones

Attention Deficit Disorder – described as any of a range of behavioral disorders including such symptoms as poor concentration – is believed to be caused by genetics, although it may be safe to wager that the application software on smart phones are a key factor. Okay, so that was a little joke. Still, it has to be said that apps do manage to secure an individual’s wavering attention whether it be on an elevator, waiting for a train to arrive, or during a dull conversation with a friend or business associate. The fact of the matter is that apps are booming, and practically everyone with a smart phone or tablet has downloaded the software onto their iPhones, Androids and Kindle Fires.

While most applications do come in handy – such as Expensify, FreshBooks and Teaspiller, three business related ones that landed on one of Mashable’s top five handy apps lists – others can leave some individuals scratching their heads. So, are there too many apps? Are some apps pointless? What are some of the worst apps of all time? Let’s analyze a few, shall we?

When it comes down to the good, the bad, and the ugly, it could just be a matter of opinion. However, there are several applications that have graced the top worst lists of several technology publications…on a continual basis. Take iNap@Work for example. An app that helps employees get away with sleeping in their respective cubicles by playing the sounds of clacking on a keyboard or stapling paper is just downright wrong. A technology article in the Montreal Gazette cited iFart as another lame app. As if the name isn’t a giveaway itself, this naughty application plays a plethora of sounds resembling flatulence.

Sheesh. What’s next, belching?

As a matter of fact, yes. Beer Belch is a fairly new app dealing with potty humor and features three different burp levels. It enables users to keep a Bavarian beer-guzzler chugging down the booze until he lets out an enormous belch. Perhaps it’s an efficient way to pass the time.

InfoBarrel.com stated that it is good to have balance between good apps and bad ones, and listed five apps as the worst of the worst. Among them were iStrip Pen, an iPhone app costing a dollar that lets users strip down a girl to her undergarments, and CalmCandle, an app that features a candle flickering constantly for just five dollars. You see? There really are some meaningless apps out there.

Having said that, it begs the question…why do some people enjoy this stuff?

Christopher Abraham may have the solution. A photographer and graphic designer working out of Tallahassee, FL, he said he believes some individuals are addicted.

“People have grown accustomed to them,” said Abraham, who owns a smartphone. “People use apps every day for different uses…GPS, shopping, weather, gas prices and a lot more. There are thousands if not millions of apps – some good and some bad. I don’t think people can distinguish between the good ones and the bad ones. Some people can’t even live a day without their smartphone and don’t mind using apps that are utterly pointless. I try to avoid the lame ones at all costs.”

Marrita Royster-Crockett, a broadcast journalist based in Miami, is of the same opinion. She said she believes people are simply hooked on apps, whether they are useful or pointless, because it’s still the new thing.

“It’s still cool to say to someone, ‘Hey, I have an app that can tell me how many miles I’ve walked,’” she said. “While I can’t see the charm in that, some people can get a kick out of it. However, I think that we are spending more time communicating with a screen rather than a face. We are losing the ability to openly communicate with one another. Furthermore, we are relying way too much on our apps and as a result, are losing the ability to problem solve on our own.”

While both Abraham and Crockett may have hit some key points, it is still up to individuals to decide what apps are worthwhile. While some people may view some apps as senseless, others may find them to be intriguing. It’s all in the eye of the user. Although there are applications that do come in handy, it seems that there are just as many inane apps debuting every week. To that end, it’s good to know which ones to avoid.

Perhaps that would be an app worth downloading.

- Jaylen C.

Have you encountered any horrible apps? If so, let us know by either sounding off below or leaving a comment on our Facebook page or by tweeting us at VPSLatch!