We've all done it.
Go out on a Thursday, do a little bar hopping in the city and wake up Friday morning wondering what happened.
Then you look down at your phone and ask yourself why, even in your drunken stupor, you would think it was okay to text your ex or funny to leave a cryptic voicemail for your boss.
And cue the vomit…
Well, there are a few things you can do to prevent making another mistake:
- Stop going out as much (which won't happen)
- Drink less (which definitely won't happen)
- Download apps to your phone preventing future shame (BINGO!)
First there's NIMBY (No Intoxicated Messaging By You). This app strives to prevent you from sending a regretful email or tweet. Once you write you message, the app prompts you to complete one of three tests within 30 seconds. The brain busters consist of a word search, completing basic algebra or navigating a mouse through a maze. If you can't finish in time, you can't send the message. Here's a demo:
Bad Decision Blocker is next. It prevents you from calling, texting or emailing contacts in your address book you choose to black list. The app places the chosen contacts into a "vault" for a predetermined period of time. Here is one user's review:
BDB Saved My Social Life
by SmashedinBoston
For years I suffered from the painful side effects of "drunk dialing" and "drunk texting"….and those were only the embarrassing things I would do via cell phone. When I say the "Bad Decision Bocker" saved my life, I truly mean it…now I can slightly conceal how creepy and needy I am to the outside world.
BDB does have one drawback. It won't stop you from dialing the number from memory -- though, if you're able to do that, you get what you deserve.
Finally, there's my favorite, Don't Dial. It gives users two options -- to lock away their contacts for a certain period of time á la Bad Decision Blocker or to have a friend enter a password before you can send a message or make a call. Using your friends as the DD is probably the safest way to drink.
In addition to the iPhone, Don't Dial is also available for Google's G1 and will soon be working on BlackBerry.
So before you head out tonight, download one of these apps and save yourself the post on FMyLife.
Cheers!
