The application is the tenth most popular social network in the world and has more than 750 million monthly active users. The platform is popular especially among children and adolescents, due to its functions such as disappearing messages, stories, augmented reality (AR) filters and the artificial intelligence chatbot called “MyAI”. However, the flip side of any debate about social media is that of privacy and security.
Data protection
Britain’s data protection regulator, the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO), has raised concerns about the MyAI chatbot: the app reportedly uses the context of a user’s conversation with MyAI, as well as their age and general location. , in order to offer specific advertisements.
“Messages disappearing is a privacy improvement as it removes content from the app, but it can also cause some headaches: Concerned parents will find it harder to monitor activity if messages disappear after being seen,” comments Camilo Gutiérrez Amaya, Head of the ESET Latin America Research Laboratory.
Among the concerns that there may be about Snapchat are:
1 Cyberbullying: It is a problem on any social network, just like in the physical world. Less than a quarter (23%) of high school cyberbullying victims report the abuse to an adult. And the messages disappearing makes it even less likely that they will notify a parent or teacher.
2 Inappropriate content: According to Snapchat, Stories and Spotlight content is moderated, but “some posts may contain images or captions that do not explicitly violate our Community Guidelines but contain sensitive or suggestive content.” Individual Snaps may also show images or videos that it may be preferable for little ones not to be exposed to. The risk is perhaps greater with the MyAI app, which may not understand what is “inappropriate.”
Getting familiar with Snapchat to have an honest conversation about what worries you is essential/Photo digital networks
3 Grooming and Sextortion: There is a minority on social networks that is not there to interact with friends and family, but to take advantage of those who make up the most vulnerable group in society. In theory, strangers could send Snaps or messages to boys and girls, and know their location since the platform’s Snap Map function allows it. A 2023 report revealed that up to 26% of grooming crimes recorded by British police took place on Snapchat. The platform has recently launched a series of new features designed to help increase protection.
4 Challenges and Snapstreaks: On Snapchat there are many opportunities to play and compete, something that the little ones love. For example, when you exchange Snaps for two consecutive days, the app will track your “streak” and delete the messages after 24 hours of inactivity. This could encourage addictive behavior or excessive sharing of personal information. A 2023 study states that very frequent use of Snapchat is linked to FOMO (Fear of Missing Out), anxiety and low self-esteem.
“Becoming familiar with Snapchat to have an honest conversation about what worries you is essential, and for that you need to understand the application. Establish rules and limits of use, monitor and control who are your friends on the platform and who are not,” advises Gutierrez Amaya.
