MySpace. Facebook. Twitter and Instagram. The current generation has adopted these services into their lives in a way no one expected. Social media is a prominent aspect of our lives, and there is no doubt that media developers are looking to join this relevant club of social networks that run the lives of teens and adults across the world.
Snapchat, a messaging service initially released in late 2011, has caught the attention of the young crowd at McNeil. The app, exclusive to mobile devices, allows users to send pictures to their friends with a timer. The picture can only be viewed for a designated time before it disappears. Users can set the timer between 1 and 10 seconds, along with the ability to give their pictures captions and drawings. Videos up to 10 seconds long can also be sent.
Seniors in particular have made Snapchat a part of their daily lives.
“I’m constantly using it; it’s almost replaced texting for me,” senior Kyle Lancaster said. “Everything about the app is funny.”
Even with limited space for captions, people are finding new and entertaining ways to communicate.
“I love being able to send a funny picture, knowing the other person won’t be able to see it for very long,” senior Meghan Corder said.
However, users are able to take screenshots of snapchats. When a person does this, the user who sent the other picture is notified.
“Being able to screenshot awkward photos of my friends is so funny,” senior Megan Goodman said. “That’s definitely the best part about Snapchat.”
Adding friends on Snapchat is simple, making the transition into the app easy and fun. Setting up a profile takes just minutes, and the app will give users quick links to add other people in their phonebook.
Only time will tell if Snapchat can stand the test of social fads in the current generation.
