The Dark Side of Snapchat.
SNAP. We have a problem.
In today's digital age, social media platforms have become an integral part of teenagers' lives, shaping their interactions, friendships, and even romantic relationships. Among the plethora of apps available, Snapchat stands out as one of the most popular among adolescents. While it offers a variety of features for communication and sharing moments, it has been increasingly linked to mental health problems, including anxiety, depressive symptoms, and body image concerns.
Humans are wired to compare themselves to others. However, between the ages of 10 and 12, changes in the brain make social rewards like compliments on a new hairstyle, laughter from a classmate—start to feel a lot more satisfying. Receptors for the “happy hormones”, oxytocin and dopamine multiply in a part of the brain called the ventral striatum, making preteens extra sensitive to attention and admiration from others. They are literally getting a rush every time they get a compliment (or not). Let that sink in, in the context of the digital world they are absorbed in. Add the like, save, follow, unfollow and @ buttons, and we have a significant issue here.
Part of what makes online interactions so different from in-person ones is their permanent—and often public—nature, according to research by Jacqueline Nesi, PhD, an assistant professor of psychology at Brown University (Psychological Inquiry, Vol. 21, No. 3, 2020). “After you walk away from a regular conversation, you don’t know if the other person liked it, or if anyone else liked it—and it’s over,” Prinstein said. “That’s not true on social media.”
In my practice and speaking regularly with parents and educators, many are struggling and it’s a situation that is now out of hand. While being asked for your “snap” is heralded by teens as a badge of honour, they are giving away more than their online identity. Our tweens and teens are being robbed of genuine relationships. The innocence and simple joys of childhood are being cut ever so short and we are losing them in ways I don’t think we ever imagined. Their focus has been completely stolen, with attention being prime real estate for app developers and marketing machines.
Increasingly in my practice, I meet with teens who know all of this and yet find themselves in a lose-lose situation. Not having the app is social suicide, whilst snapping away is a mindless exercise where streaks, broccoli filters and photos of toes have replaced conversation and actual connection. Kids receive a snap from someone 3 metres away from them and yet never exchange a word. Smart phones have triggered a quasi-moratorium of the banter once enjoyed to and from school on the bus. Kids frequently attend therapy sessions explaining how despite being in a group they feel deeply lonely and unable to connect. They feel unseen and largely unknown.
So, what are some of the issues we need to understand about Snapchat?
Ephemeral (lasting a very, very short time) Communication
Snapchat's ephemeral content has transformed user behaviour and engagement patterns. Snapchat's immense popularity among teens can be attributed to several psychological principles that make its ephemeral content particularly appealing. With increased sharing and a focus on real-time communication, the platform has influenced social media trends and the evolution of digital communication.
• Scarcity Effect: Snapchat's temporary nature taps into the scarcity principle, making content feel more valuable and exclusive. Ephemeral content satisfies users' innate desire for novelty and curiosity. The constantly changing nature of Snapchat's content keeps users engaged and eager to explore.
• Fear of Missing Out (FOMO): Ephemeral content creates a sense of urgency, triggering FOMO and compelling users to engage.
• Self-Presentation and Impression Management: Knowing that content will disappear reduces users' concerns about self-presentation, allowing for more authentic sharing.
The Facade of Perfection
Snapchat is notorious for its filters and editing tools that allow users to enhance their appearance and create a seemingly flawless image. This obsession with perfection can distort reality and create unrealistic expectations within teen relationships. According to a study published in the Journal of Children and Media, teenagers who frequently use Snapchat filters report higher levels of body dissatisfaction and lower self-esteem compared to those who use the app less frequently. More and more teens are presenting with symptoms of body dysmorphia and who can blame them? When is the last time you saw a teen take a stock standard photo without apply a filter?
Comparison and FOMO
Snapchat's "Stories" feature allows users to share snippets of their lives, showcasing moments of joy, excitement, and adventure. While these stories may seem harmless, they often contribute to feelings of envy and comparison among teenagers. A survey conducted by Common Sense Media revealed that 64% of teenagers feel pressure to post content that makes them look good, highlighting the impact of social comparison on adolescents' self-esteem and relationships.
Misuse of Messaging
Snapchat's messaging feature, which allows users to send photos and videos privately, can also be misused within teen relationships. The platform's privacy settings may encourage secretive behaviour and dishonesty among adolescents, as they can easily hide conversations and interactions from their parents or guardians. A study published in the Journal of Adolescent Health found that 22% of teenagers admit to using Snapchat to communicate with someone their parents wouldn't approve of, highlighting the potential for deceit and mistrust within relationships. In the last two weeks, I’ve dealt with extreme cases of online bullying where teens are being targeted via Snapchat. My advice to teens and their parents is to take screenshots of concerning snaps to use as evidence with schools and police.
Distraction and Disconnect
The addictive nature of Snapchat, characterised by endless scrolling and constant notifications, can distract teenagers from meaningful offline interactions. Instead of engaging in face-to-face conversations or spending quality time with their partners, adolescents may prioritise virtual interactions on the app, leading to a sense of disconnect and alienation within their relationships. A survey conducted by Pew Research Center found that 45% of teenagers feel overwhelmed by the amount of time they spend on social media, indicating the detrimental effects of digital distraction on adolescent well-being.
While Snapchat offers various benefits for social connection, its negative impact on teen relationships cannot be ignored. By understanding the psychological appeal of ephemeral content and its effects on user behaviour, we can work towards fostering healthier digital habits among teenagers and promoting authentic relationships both online and offline. As parents, educators, and society, it's crucial to support adolescents in navigating the complexities of social media and fostering meaningful connections that prioritise emotional well-being and authenticity.
You have 18 summers (at best) with your child. If you notice them struggling to manage the complexities of growing up in this digital world, reach out via info@taniaromeo.com for gentle active-focussed kids coaching and hypnotherapy. For emergencies and urgent support please call seek medical attention via your GP, local hospital or call 000 or LIFELINE 13 11 14.
Change Coach founder Tania Romeo, is an ICF accredited coach and board-certified Clinical Hypnotherapist with a double degree in Education, with a passion for building resilient mindsets for this generation and the next.