Zorpia

• Free Basic Profile
• Zorpia Chat
• A Way for China to Connect
• Niche Groups
• Variety of Options with Zorpia
• Way to Share Photos
• Zorpia Match-Up

Free Basic Profile

It is free to sign up for a Zorpia profile and access all of the basic functions. Users can browse profiles, use Zorpia's messaging and chat system, join group discussions, and more, all for free. Zorpia can provide basic functions for free because it gets most of its funding from advertising. In fact, Zorpia partners with Google, Yahoo and other sites for funding. Even with a basic, free profile, Zorpians can control what is private and public on their page. Users can also make information exclusively available to specific groups of people.

Zorpia Chat

Zorpia chat is an instant messaging system that allows people to connect from all over the world. The chat feature is made possible through Google. Users have the ability to keep this chat feature on or off.

A Way for China to Connect

Zorpia is the only social networking site in China that has permission to operate on the mainland. The app is a fun and new way for citizens there to connect and share ideas with other cultures. Founder and current CEO, Ng developed the social networking service as a way for cultures to be able to meet others across the world in a fun, interactive, and safe way. The Zorpia app is available on iPhone, Android, and Windows phones.

Niche Groups

There are a variety of niche groups that users can join on Zorpia. Anyone can start a group and have others join in on discussion boards. Each group focuses on different categories and can be anything from the "If you are hot, join this group" group, to business groups and different activity groups. If administrators come across any inappropriate content or pictures in group discussions, the content is discussed with the user who posted it and then removed to keep the site appropriate for teens. Zorpia has struggled on determining what images violate their terms.

Variety of Options with Zorpia

Zorpia gives users access to a lot of profiles, and one can contact any of these public profiles instantaneously. Zorpia prides itself on being an all-access platform to meet anyone from anywhere at any time. With over 13 million monthly active users Zorpia is available in over 200 countries and 38 languages. The company claims to be a place where like-minded people can share interests and ideas. The minimum age to sign up is 16, but other than that, the site is mostly unrestricted. Zorpia is a way for people to meet business partners, significant others, platonic friends, activity buddies, and life partners. Users can browse through hundreds of profiles and find others based on location, age, and gender. Some "Zorpians" use the site for other purposes including social media marketing, journaling, and blogging.

Way to Share Photos

Zorpia allows users to share an unlimited number of photos, network, create profiles, and use Zorpia's messaging system. Some people use Zorpia as a way to store pictures since there is no storage limit. In fact, according to PRNewswire, the site hosts over 13.7 million images. The site also has a feature called "Rate a Zorpian," where users can go in and rate other users' photos. Users can also comment on photos.

Zorpia Match Up

If users are not finding appealing options on the homepage, Zorpia will show users 2 to 3 pictures and ask users if they like what they see. If that still doesn't work, Zorpia offers a Match Up game where users can go to see other profile options. This feature allows members to use Zorpia as an online dating site.

• Scamming and Privacy Issues
• Phishing and Identity Theft
• No Real Algorithm
• Too Many Ads
• Lack of Free Profile Privileges

Scamming and Privacy Issues

Zorpia has issues with posting to users' social media sites without permission. People have also reported that Zorpia sends out emails to its members' contacts without permission, even if the user has deleted their Zorpia account. The spam emails usually contain an invitation to join Zorpia and comes repeatedly. Zorpia has been connected to cookie theft, spam, and address hacking as well. A common problem among users is that they can't stop the Zorpia emails from spamming their inbox. Many people who have since disconnected and ended their Zorpia account say that they still receive emails and cannot get them to stop.

Phishing and Identity Theft

Zorpia has been criticized for being a platform for phishing and identity theft. Users are like to run into a scammer while seeking connections. The site has been known to abuse user privacy and discretion. Some people would categorize this social networking website as a scam.

No Real Algorithm

When scrolling over user profile images, the site tells the user what age, gender, and location they are looking for. There is no algorithm to increase the quality or safety of matches. Zorpia is a free-for-all when it comes to finding people to talk with. Users can easily select a profile and begin chatting with people instantaneously. There is no verification process, making the possibility of being catfished very possible.

Too Many Ads

When surfing the Zorpia website, the site feels cluttered and riddled with different ads. Even going to Zorpia's messaging system's page, it is flooded with various ads, making it difficult to navigate the website smoothly. 

Lack of Free Profile Privileges

While the initial profile is free, users are forced to pay "gold coins" to have:

• Unlimited messaging
• Message delivery status
• The ability to see who has viewed the user's profile
• The ability to show or hide online status
• To browse anonymously

Gold Coins are the virtual currency Zorpia uses. Coins can be purchased by credit card or Paypal and can range in price from:

• $5.00 for 500 coins
• $10.00 for 1000 coins
• $27.00 for 3000 coins

These coins are non-refundable and a 10% transaction fee is required when buying gold coins as gifts for friends.