Phones were abuzz as the new social app, Gas, hit the student body on Oct. 19. The platform became a new trend around the world, allowing teenagers to anonymously vote for their classmates in premade prompts.

Reactions to the app have varied, but Kate Maddison (12) argues that downloading it is a mistake.

“The day after I downloaded it I deleted it because I was focusing too much on it,” Maddison said. “I didn’t want to constantly look at it to see what people were saying about me because that’s what I was ultimately fishing for: people to say nice things about me.”

The app has gained traction, though, to the point that it became the No. 1 free download in the App Store for multiple days overtaking popular apps like TikTok and BeReal. However, some students like Julia Burnham (12) have decided to go against the trend.

“[I’ll never download it] because I think it’s stupid,” Burnham said. “It’s a waste of time because it’s consuming. You’re always wondering ‘Oh, who chose me, who said this about me?’ and it probably starts unnecessary rumors and it’s probably going to create unrealistic labels for people.”

One of the founders for the app, Nikita Bier, claimed to create Gas to promote positivity among younger people. All of the prompts are either compliments, funny superlatives or romantic confessions, but Bier promises there are no negative choices. Despite this, Maddison still believes the app is harmful.

“Most of the polls are positive, but the fact that they are positive is kind of a negative in terms of it being a big ego-booster,” Maddison said. “Yes, it might be nice for people who need a little affirmation, but overall it’s just people focusing more on themselves and that’s never really a good thing. I don’t know, it’s this type of self-centered mantra.”

Others have followed the crowd and taken Gas with no complaints, like Mason Allen (12).

“I downloaded it because everyone else was downloading it, so I wanted to see what it was about,” Allen said. “I don’t really use it that much, but when I go on there it is pretty positive and fun.”

Not long after the app’s launch, however, allegations began circulating that the app was used for sex trafficking. The creator has shut this down over Twitter, but many are still skeptical due to the complications around delting your account. After opting to delete one’s account, you are shown a TikTok of a girl saying that Gas is not used for sex trafficking, and it takes 24 hours for your account to be fully deleted.

“I did [hear about the sex trafficking] a little bit, but I didn’t dig into it,” Maddison said. “That’s another reason why I probably will not get it again.”

While rumors continue to spread, most can agree that the app’s fame will not last long. Talk about Gas is already declining and its legacy can’t clearly be determined as positive or negative according to Allen.

“It’ll probably last a month or two,” Allen said. “People will talk about it a little bit and wonder who picked them for the certain questions, but I don’t think it’ll leave much behind.”