Article of Interest #1 : Outrage Caused By Android App..

ARTICLE SUMMARY

In early Autumn, French developers Emmene Moi (meaning ''Bring Me'' in French), launched an app which sparked widespread controversy and speculation.
''Is Your Son Gay?'' is targeted at worried mothers pondering their sons sexuality. The App claims to determine whether or not the user’s son is homosexual through a series of 20 questions. The questions range from “Does he like to dress well?”;“Does he like diva singers?” or “Does he get along with his father?” Once the test is completed, the app sizes up all of the answers. It then weighs up the answers given and concludes with: “No need to look the other way! He is gay! ACCEPT IT” or; “You have nothing to worry about, your son is not gay. So you have a very good chance of being a grandmother with all the joys that brings.”
Controversial indeed, there was some serious speculation as to how it got passed the App Board in the first place (they regulate and assess Apps) which  has been criticised as 'insensitive' and 'ridiculous'. ''Is Your Son Gay?''  plays detective with your sons personality. The App has since been pulled off the App Store by the Apple Corporation. Here the App is discussed brifly..

PERSONAL OPINION

Enneme Moi stated ”This app was conceived with a playful approach. It is not based at all on scientific research…Through humor, “Is My Son Gay?” [has] the sole objective of toning down/improving the situation and helping mothers to accept their sons’ homosexuality.” 
I think this is a petty excuse of an apology. I believe this App exploits the worries and emotions a mother may have about her children and further amplifies these thoughts into dangerous homophobic ones. I think the primary source of homophobia is in the ''playful'' answers provided by the App,
 ''You have nothing to worry about, your son is not gay. So you have a very good chance of being a grandmother with all the joys that brings.” 
This App insinuates there is something wrong and negative with being gay, and I personally think gay individuals get enough of this stigma in society today- they do not need the same treatment from their parents in the home.
To conclude, I think if the creation process of the App was handled differently (maybe produced by psychologies who specialize in sexuality studies for example) it may have been a success. They could have added realistic questions like, '' is your son avoiding questions about his relationship status?'' and ''has your sons behaviour changed to become more introverted in the last number of weeks?'' for example. Then the psychologists might proceed to offer snippets of professional advice but never give a definite answer.


Links:
http://blog.vixely.com/2011/09/28/sex-and-tech-is-my-son-gay-app-launched-on-android-market/
(with more insight from)
http://stopthehatestopthehurt.wordpress.com/category/homophobia-in-technology/