http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2009/oct/15/pepsi-iphone-app-twitter
Pepsi sorry for 'sexist' iPhone app
Drinks firm PepsiCo accused by Twitter users of stereotyping women with iPhone app suggesting pick-up lines
- guardian.co.uk, Thursday 15 October 2009 10.41 BST
- Article history
Pepsi's 'Amp Up Before You Score' iPhone app
PepsiCo has apologised after it was accused of stereotyping women with an iPhone application for its Amp Energy drink helping users "score" on a date.
The app featured 24 types of women, including "nerd", "foreign exchange student" and "treehugger", and offered possible pickup lines including "Wasn't I in Space Academy with you?" and "You know the Mona Lisa has no eyebrows. I wonder what else she shaves?"
Pepsi's "Amp Up Before You Score" app prompted a storm of protest on Twitter, with commenters suggesting people drink Coke instead.
The US drinks giant responded with a tweet apologising for any offence caused. "Our app tried 2 show the humorous lengths guys go 2 pick up women," Pepsi said. "We apologise if it's in bad taste & appreciate your feedback."
Other categories of women featured in the app included "sorority girl", "cougar" and "punk girl", and offered suggested pick-up lines for each one. For "rebound girl" it offered a map of local ice-cream shops.
The app, which was launched last Friday, also encouraged users who were successful with one of its chat-up lines to record it via email, Facebook or Twitter.
"Let's say you meet a girl who is way into being green, and you need a vegan restaurant – we've got you covered," says an online promo for the app.
"Or say you need a quick primer on punk rock because she is staring holes in you and you are a little scared – we have got your back. If you are anticipating a successful night the Before You Score app gives you up to the minute info, feeds, lines and much more to help you Amp up and talk to 24 different types of ladies."
Under the headline "Alienate your customers? PepsiCo has an app for that", social media website Mashable said it was "certainly bold and controversial, but does it go too far?".
Twitter users certainly appeared to think so. "So is there only 1 type of man? A neanderthal who needs a cellphone app to talk to women? Here's a hint: put down the cellphone," said one.
Another said: "Enough with the sexist apps – at least make it equally sexist and make a version that women can play."
When asked if PepsiCo would withdraw the app, a spokesman told the Wall Street Journal it was evaluating its options.
"The application was designed to entertain and appeal to Amp's target market," said the spokesman. "We'll continue to monitor the feedback from all parties and act accordingly."
But not all Twitter users thought the app controversial. Another said: "Calm down PC pansies. Go read a Cosmo and get a sense of humour. You all make me sick with your sheltered approach to life."
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