In recent months, the phrase “Add me on Snap!” has become a staple in conversations online and offline. However, what is this elusive “Snap” that is creating this buzz? Should you use it? Are you using it? In this post, we’ll break down some important things YOU need to know about the social media platform Snapchat.
Snapchat – The Definition
At its core, Snapchat is a photo and video sharing app that allows users to create what is called their “24-hour collect” of “Snapchat stories.” However, the main difference between Snapchat and other photo-sharing apps, is that your Snapchat stories self-destruct.
Yes, you read that right, they self-destruct. Snapchat stories last for only 24 hours, and if you send a direct snap to a friend, they can only view it for a maximum of 10 seconds. After that, they’re gone. You can’t save them. It’s like they never even happened.
And that right there is the allure of Snapchat. There’s something strangely comforting about knowing that after a specific period of time, your shenanigans will be automatically deleted. Well, it’s comforting to the millions that use it, at least.
Snapchat – The Uses
Snapchat can be credited with changing the way people communicate. In fact, it has revolutionized the way information is shared between groups. Users are able to add each other through scannable profile photos, a feature that even Facebook has included in its iconic Messenger app.
Snapchat has also become a way for celebrities, public figures and regular folks to share more informal snippets of their lives. Rather than posting perfectly cropped, filtered and curated photos on their Instagram feeds, Snapchat gives users the opportunity to share more authentic versions of themselves. Authenticity and humour readily abound in the Snapchat realm.
With Snapchat, you can truly “live in the moment”. Users can share shots and scenes from their lives in real time, and their followers are able to access them just as quickly. Then they disappear.
Snapchat – The Disadvantage
All social media platforms have disadvantages and Snapchat is no different. There is at least one downside to this innovative application.
Users may be lulled into a false sense of comfort that all their photos, videos and messages are deleted from the digital space. However, anyone with working IT knowledge knows that there is a digital record of most, if not all of our online activities. In fact, an excerpt from Snapchat’s privacy policy acknowledges this: “In addition, as for any other digital information, there may be ways to access Snaps while still in temporary storage on recipients’ devices or, forensically, even after they are deleted.” Additionally, messages can be saved and shared using screen shots. Therefore, responsible media use is always recommended.
So, what do you think? Do you like Snapchat? If so, tell us why in the comments below.
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