BizJournals Portfolio
Dec 16 2011 1:45pm EDT

Sobriety Test for Holiday Party Tweets

The Social Media Sobriety Test is designed to minimize harm from nights better left forgotten.

The Social Media Sobriety Test app is a fail-safe for those nights when the holiday party has gotten the best of you, and there’s no one there to assist you with better judgment.

“It’s a whole new world with Androids, iPhones, Facebook, and Twitter, as many have learned to their peril,” said Jonathan Shoenbert, creative director at TDA Boulder, the company working with Webroot to develop the sobriety tests. “The consequences of a stupid tweet or an ill-advised photo can be instantaneously spread around the globe.”

The sobriety test puts users through a series of “coordination and cognition” tests such as “drag your mouse in a straight line,” “type the alphabet backwards,” or “follow the finger.” A low score results in a friendly admonition to avoid sending that tweet or whatever the case may be and a recommendation for a taxi company based on your phone’s geo-location.

The app allows users to customize which sites they wish to block and at what time of the day they are most likely to commit regrettable acts.

Founded in 1997, Colorado-based Webroot provides Internet security to small and mid-size businesses and now has more than 450 employees worldwide. It is backed by VC firms Technology Crossover Ventures, Accel Partners, and Mayfield.

The app is available to download for free on both iOS 5 and Android smartphones and tablets.


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Michael del Castillo is a freelance reporter for Portfolio.com.

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