Social media has become an undeniable force in the lives of teenagers. Platforms like Snapchat, with their disappearing messages and quirky filters, have become a favorite hangout spot for many.
However, beneath the seemingly harmless facade lies a potential minefield for adolescent mental health. This blog delves into the features of Snapchat that can trigger anxiety, depression, and loneliness and explores the legal landscape surrounding these concerns.
The Allure of Engagement Features
According to Forbes, in 2023, Snapchat surpassed Instagram in popularity among teens. 60% of teens reported using Snapchat, while 59% said they use Instagram.
Snapchat’s design is a masterclass in engagement. Features like “streaks” – those fire emojis signifying daily exchanges with friends—create a sense of obligation. Users feel pressured to maintain streaks, fearing they’ll be the ones to break the chain and disappoint their peers.
This relentless back-and-forth fosters a “fear of missing out” (FOMO) mentality, pushing young users to stay glued to their phones for updates.
Further fueling this engagement are “Snap scores,” a point system based on sent and received Snaps. Imagine the pressure to keep your score competitive with your mates. The gamification of social interaction exploits a basic human desire for validation and can lead to compulsive Snapchat use.
The Darker Side of Social Media
The emotional toll of Snapchat isn’t limited to anxiety and depression. Cyberbullying and social exclusion can also occur on the platform.
According to USA Today, a disturbing incident of cyberbullying on Snapchat occurred in February this year. The incident involved six 8th-grade students from Southwick, Massachusetts, who were charged for their involvement in a racist and hateful online chat. The chat featured deplorable language, threats, and even a mock slave auction targeting two specific juveniles.
In extreme cases, the unrealistic beauty standards portrayed on social media platforms can also catalyze eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa.
Many parents of affected teenagers are suing Snap Inc., the creator of Snapchat, for inciting mental health issues in their children. The Snapchat lawsuit alleges that the platform’s design has failed to protect vulnerable users from content related to self-harm.
The parents also claim that the media giant has always known about the harm its algorithms can inflict. However, it chooses to accumulate wealth from its users’ mental breakdowns.
Curated Lives and Crumbling Confidence
Social media platforms are notorious for showcasing a highlight reel of people’s lives. Snapchat is no exception.
According to TorHoerman Law, Snapchat was first designed as a platform to share photos and videos, while engaging in chat conversations. Now it has evolved into a social networking giant that provides users with features like filters, group chat, news items, and additional functionalities.
Although visual filters enhance the look and feel of interactions and content sharing, they can negatively impact a user’s mental well-being.
Teens bombarded with these carefully crafted portrayals can fall into the trap of social comparison. They may develop a skewed sense of reality, constantly measuring themselves against their peers’ seemingly perfect lives. This constant comparison can chip away at self-esteem, leading to anxiety and depression.
In its study, the American Psychological Association found a significant correlation between frequent social media use and increased rates of depression in teenage girls. It suggests that exposure to unrealistic beauty standards and curated social lives on the platform can negatively impact body image and self-worth.
One Recent Case of Families Suing Snapchat
According to ABC News, in October 2022, over 60 families sued the social media platform for helping their children procure illicit drugs. Two children even died after overdosing on the drugs.
Snapchat had attempted to have the lawsuit dismissed the same year. However, in January 2024, a ruling allowed the parents’ lawsuit to proceed to trial. The judge overruled 12 out of 16 claims made by Snap.
The lawsuit claims that Snapchat’s distinctive attributes make it a haven for drug traffickers. The families are being represented by the Social Media Victims Law Center. It argues that Snapchat’s designs, structures, and policies have contributed to the foreseeable result of illicit drug sales to teens.
Features such as its geolocation functionality and the My Eyes Only privacy feature make it very difficult to monitor illicit operations.
Promoting Healthier Social Media Engagement
To foster social media platforms that prioritize users’ well-being over mere engagement, a multi-faceted approach is necessary. Educating young users about the importance of balanced screen time and “digital nutrition” is crucial. Parents should also encourage them to maintain a healthy equilibrium between online connections and real-world relationships.
However, the onus also lies on the platforms themselves. They can implement features built into the app that allow users to control the duration of their content exposure. These platforms can also tone down their intrusive interfaces. This can empower users to manage their digital experiences more effectively.
Age-appropriate standards must be established to limit certain gamified features for younger demographics. Moreover, recommendation algorithms must evolve from mindless content promotion to suggestions that support individual wellness.
Updated regulations and accountability systems may be necessary to balance corporate interests with the obligation to ensure youth safety. This is important because private platforms often prioritize market growth to satisfy shareholders.
FAQs
Q: How does Snapchat use streaks and scores to pressure users?
A: Streaks and Snap scores create a sense of obligation to use Snapchat daily to maintain them. This fear of missing out (FOMO) can lead to compulsive use.
Q: Are there legal cases against Snapchat linked to mental health?
A: Yes, lawsuits claim Snapchat’s design doesn’t protect users from harmful content and unrealistic beauty standards, leading to anxiety and depression.
Q: What can parents do to help teens with healthy social media habits?
A: Parents can discuss online dangers, encourage balanced screen time, and promote real-world connections alongside online ones.
All in all, social media can be a great tool for connection, but concerns about mental health are real. To navigate this complex issue, we need a village approach.
Parents can chat with their teens about online dangers, setting ground rules together. Similarly, educators can introduce digital literacy programs, teaching critical thinking about social media content. Social media companies can also develop age-appropriate safeguards and invest in content moderation.
Ultimately, fostering healthy digital habits empowers teens to be safe and responsible online citizens.
