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ReThink: An Innovative Solution to Cyberbullying
Trisha Prabhu introduced ReThink, an anti-cyberbullying program, during Shark Tank’s 8th season premiere, episode 01 of season 08 of Shark Tank.
ReThink, a free iOS and Android software supporting English, Spanish, and Hindi, has been instrumental in detecting and preventing cyberbullying and hate speech.
With over 500,000 downloads across 1500 schools worldwide, the app has positively impacted millions of lives.
ReThink is a computer software application and smartphone app that utilizes an algorithm to detect offensive language and prompt the sender to reconsider before sending the message.
Trisha, a staunch advocate against cyberbullying since a young age, has garnered recognition and accolades for her work. This innovative app is compatible with various social networking platforms and texting services.
Supported by various foundations and individuals, she continues her efforts to combat online harassment while pursuing her studies at Harvard University.
Trisha’s dedication to addressing the negative impacts of technology, such as cyberbullying, highlights her commitment to making a positive difference in the digital landscape.
Trisha’s inspiration for creating this patent-pending program stemmed from a tragic incident in 2013 involving an 11-year-old girl who took her life due to cyberbullying.
Despite existing systems in place to address cyberbullying after the fact, Trisha aimed to prevent it altogether. She developed the program in 2014 when she began coding at a young age.
By warning children about bullying language before they hit “send,” ReThink successfully deterred 93% of abusive messages. Furthermore, ReThink users significantly reduced the likelihood of posting objectionable comments from 71% to just 4%.
The app, available for free download on Apple and Android devices, offers a “community edition” tailored for schools and districts.
ReThink App Shark Tank Pitch
Trisha confidently pitched her innovative software, ReThink, to the Sharks on the popular show Shark Tank. She sought $100,000 for a 20% stake in her business.
Trisha started by acknowledging the criticism the show had received, highlighting hurtful comments such as “You are a zero, not a hero,” and “You are not an entrepreneur; you are a want-entrepreneur.”
She emphasized the prevalence of cyberbullying on the Internet and defined it as using cruel comments while hiding behind screens.
ReThink was presented as a solution to address cyberbullying before harmful messages were sent. Trisha showcased how the software could intercept offensive messages, prompting the sender to reconsider their words.
She demonstrated this on stage with a simulated messaging scenario, where an initial hurtful message was revised before sending.
The Sharks were intrigued by the potential impact of ReThink in promoting positive online behavior among teenagers.
Trisha shared her motivation behind creating ReThink, revealing that a news story about a young cyberbullying victim deeply affected her. She created ReThink with the goal of preventing such tragedies in the future.
The Sharks were impressed by Trisha’s entrepreneurial spirit and her commitment to tackling cyberbullying.
As the Sharks deliberated on investing in ReThink, they raised valid concerns about the software’s effectiveness and scalability.
Trisha addressed these concerns by sharing data on the app’s usage and its impact on users. Despite some skepticism about the business model, Trisha’s passion for her cause resonated with the Sharks.
In the end, Trisha received offers from multiple Sharks, each recognizing the potential of ReThink in combating cyberbullying. She ultimately decided to partner with Lori and Mark, who shared her vision for expanding the reach of the app.
The Sharks commended Trisha for her dedication and the positive impact ReThink could have in addressing a critical issue in today’s digital landscape.
Final Deal: Mark Cuban and Lori Greiner made a joint offer of $100,000 for a 20% stake in the ReThink App.
ReThink App After Shark Tank
Even though the ReThink app secured an investment from Mark Cuban and Lori Greiner on Shark Tank, the deal was never finalized. Despite this setback, ReThink continued its operations and remains active today.
Following its appearance on Shark Tank, ReThink experienced significant growth and recognition.
The ReThink app is available on both the Google Play Store and Apple App Store, with the Android version having received more recent updates compared to the iOS version.
User reviews for the ReThink app are generally positive but mixed, with the iOS version having an average rating of 3.1 stars and the Android version slightly higher at 3.5 stars.
Some common complaints include missing insults in the app and the ReThink keyboard being considered inferior to other options.
Trisha Prabhu, the founder of ReThink, has been recognized for her achievements beyond the company.
In 2020, she secured a $300,000 grant for ReThink from the Elevate Prize Foundation and was named a “Health Hero” by WebMD.
More recently, in 2023, Trisha Prabhu launched ReThink Citizens, the nonprofit arm of ReThink, which received a $50,000 grant from Prince Harry and Meghan Sussex’s Archewell Foundation to expand ReThink into the Caribbean region.
Trisha Prabhu was named one of the five Tech Impact All-Stars by NationSwell and recognized as Health Hero of the Year by WebMD.
The app gained international exposure when Prabhu spoke at a tech conference in Japan, introducing ReThink to a new audience. In the US, Pennsylvania schools incorporated ReThink into their curriculum through the Liberty Museum’s Young Heroes Outreach Program.
ReThink has been covered widely and enthusiastically by the media, including Good Morning America, NPR, and ABC News. The media coverage bolstered ReThink’s reputation and heightened awareness of the cyberbullying app.
The app has formed partnerships with various stakeholders, including teachers, students, parents, and law enforcement, showcasing its commitment to combating cyberbullying effectively.
ReThink is still operational and available for download on both the Google Play and Apple App Store, indicating a successful journey post-Shark Tank.
Despite initial doubts from some investors, Trisha Prabhu’s dedication and strategic partnerships have played a crucial role in ReThink’s continued success.
ReThink app is still in business with an estimated net worth now exceeding $1 million, demonstrating its growth and impact in the fight against cyberbullying.
Trisha Prabhu’s net worth is estimated to be $2 million by 2024.
