Snapchat is all about fun and spontaneity. This revolutionized how messaging was looked upon by all of us. Snapchat is all about taking a snap/video and then use it in a chat. By default, the text, photos and videos you send disappear seconds after they’re viewed – you get to decide how long your friends can view them. One thing users love about that is they can share a moment that’s digital footprint-free – they don’t have to think about how their photos, videos or comments make them look to some unknown audience somewhere out in the future. This better than thinking about pictures posted on Facebook and worry about the misappropriate usage of those. Snapchat is “in the moment” – not so much about taking pictures to look at later in life (though you can do that) but to let people experience them right now and then move on. Snapchat is instant glorification. However, there are ways to save what you share. So nobody should develop a false sense of security.
Snapchat runs on Android phones and tablets and on iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch. In September 2016, Snap announced its first hardware product, Spectacles, which consist of sunglasses with a built-in video camera.
So among which age groups is Snapchat most popular? Its kids…. They just love Snapchat because they love talking to their friends. Snapchat is a spontaneous and creative way to communicate with unique features that are just plain fun—Snapchatters can send images and short videos called “Snaps” that can be drawn on or modified with tools like Filters, Stickers and Lenses. Snapchat is playful and “in the moment,” a refreshing change from the world of social media, where you often become the sum of everything you’ve shared and not safe and secure Snapchat has managed to recreate that light, low-pressure feeling like when you securely hang out with you friends. Because Snaps aren’t on display anywhere forever, there isn’t the reputation anxiety or image-curation fatigue people feel in other services.
Snapchat does have a minimum age requirement of 13 to create an account, in compliance with the U.S. Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA). Snapchat ask for a date of birth upon sign up, and if the birth date indicates that the user is under 13, they’re not allowed to create an account.
It is a common concern for parents that Snapchat’s ephemeral nature will encourage people to Snap without worrying about the consequences, but most people don’t use Snapchat that way. They use it because it’s a fun, visual way to communicate that lets them be silly without worrying about what comes next. However, as with all digital media, there are risks in broadcasting personal information like location to strangers and to posting content that violates Snapchat’s Community Guidelines. And users should know that there are ways for others to capture virtually any digital content, including “disappearing” images and video on Snapchat.
A positive experience on Snapchat ultimately depends on how it is used. It is important to talk to kids about being thoughtful while using social media. Remind your kids that they should speak to a trusted adult when they see something that concerns them and to avoid meeting up with strangers, even if they have an online friendship with them. Parents should also make sure their kids’ privacy settings are set to “My Friends” only. It is always better to be safe now rather than sorry later.
Written by: Sangameswaran Manikkyam Iyer (CMN Columnist)
