Snapchat Scores: Do We Need To “Snap” Out Of Social Media?
January 24, 2016
More than 400 million Snapchat stories are created per day. With these kind of numbers it’s hard to ignore the effect this social media app has on our lives.
As you probably already know, the social media app Snapchat has gained enormous popularity over the last few years. This addictive app launched in September 2011 and now has 100 million daily active users. It started out as a basic messaging application where users were able to send and receive pictures from friends for a few seconds before the photo disappeared.
One unique feature of Snapchat is the scores. Each Snapchatter receives one point for each snap sent or received. Users are able to see their own scores by tapping the ghost at the top of the screen and see their friends’ scores by going to their list of friends and holding down on a name.
“Gotta keep the streaks,” says junior Vanessa Westerberg, who has a Snapchat score of 267,862 – one of the highest in the school.
Admittedly, there is a line drawn when it comes to Snapchat usage. A spooky statistic says 11% of drivers admit to checking Snapchat while operating their vehicle. What makes Snapchat so appealing is its quickness and accessibility. The important thing to remember is that social media is meant to share our lives – not become our lives.
Some are quick to argue that trends associated with Snapchat, like selfies, are annoying and narcissistic. But like it or not, selfies have become very relevant to for the younger generation. “Selfie culture” is a tool to help with self confidence and make memories. Senior Lauren Sherman, with a Snapchat score of 11,859, says, “When used in the right light, they can really boost your confidence and capture moments in your life that you would want to remember but wouldn’t normally stop to take a picture of.”
When stripped of all the fancy features and bling, the core of Snapchat is that it is a fun and easy communication tool for friends to exchange double chin selfies and share memories with other people. Who wouldn’t enjoy that?
Loading ...Most people aren’t even invested in their Snapchat scores. “It doesn’t matter at all to me,” says Westerberg. People with low Snapchat scores don’t have a reason to feel bad and people with high Snapchat scores should not be embarrassed. Keep on doing what makes you happy, whether it be sending weird pictures of yourself to your best friend or making ugly faces at your friends in person – if that’s what you prefer. As the phrase goes, whatever floats your boat.