Why Are Children Getting Addicted To Snapchat?

There was a time when kids got addicted to cigarettes, or lip-gloss, or whatever other unhealthy habit that is commonplace these days. Nowadays, kids cannot get enough of the popular social media app called Snapchat. Why are children getting addicted to Snapchat? Is it because they are bored with Facebook and Instagram? Or do they want to be “hip” and trendy like their peers?

Is the magic show snapchat fake? Whatever the reason behind this addiction may be, it’s important for parents and educators alike that we understand exactly what’s happening here. This article will discuss how children are developing a dependence on this addictive app in an effort to help curb the problem before it gets out of hand! Stay tuned for more details.

1. The Snapchat Craze

Snapchat is a social networking app that was released in 2011 by Stanford University students Evan Spiegel, Bobby Murphy, and Reggie Brown. Originally called “Picaboo,” the app had one sole purpose: to send photos that self-destruct after being viewed. The app has come a long way since its humble beginnings. In 2013, the company was renamed Snap Inc., further strengthening their commitment to the instant photo sharing niche they had already conquered. 8 months later, the new name came with an official IPO on NYSE opening day and raising $3.4 billion! In 2016, Snap Inc. bought the popular Lenses app, which gave users the ability to create movie-esque effects in their photos. From there, Snapchat took over the world. Nowadays, Snapchat is used by roughly 80% of high schools in the U.S. and 98% of middle schools! Not only is it used as a messaging app to send messages with friends and family, but it also serves as a way to keep in touch with teachers and school officials as well!

2 . Inappropriate Use Of Snapchat

As mentioned before, despite it being a photo messaging app, Snapchat has no limitations on what can be added or removed from photos before they are sent or viewed. The only restriction that exists is that the person who views the photo has to be in the same vicinity of where the photo was taken. This is especially dangerous when it comes to younger children. The Snapchat app has a feature called “Find Friends” which allows users to locate nearby users whom they can send pictures to!

Parents need to keep a close eye on their kids in order to make sure they are not posting inappropriate content or sending photos of themselves in inappropriate situations like that of having full-frontal nudity, which leads us directly into our next point…

3 . What Are The Effects Of Using Snapchat

One of the worst effects for kids using Snapchat is how it can influence their conservative, moral values and their overall wellbeing. This just goes to show that every usage of the app is not occurring without consequences. The app has proven to be a device that has addicted many children and teenagers. Many users have said or claimed that it played a major role in their struggles with suicidal thoughts and behavioral problems.

4 . The Effects On Family Life

One of the most dangerous effects that parents need to be aware of is how their child’s addiction to Snapchat can affect them in a family environment. Many children use this app to live out their fantasy life. They are able to keep up with the Kardashians, send friends pictures of themselves in ridiculous outfits, or post memes that make fun of their parents! This puts families at an increased risk for conflict, especially if it involves financial issues or infidelity. Family members who have a problem with oversharing will eventually have these problems exposed on Snapchat and Facebook which could have devastating effects on family members and relationships.

Considering the fact that Snapchat is such an influential social media app, all family members using this platform must closely watch for any signs of addiction. This could include:

-Hiding away from parents

-Becoming reckless and aggressive towards family members who try to prevent them from using their phone in public places like schools and malls

-Being mean to loved ones in order to avoid being grounded by their parents

5 . The Effects On Teens

Teenagers and young adults are known for seeking out every possible type of social media, but Snapchat is proving to be a popular and addictive choice. Teens and young adults recognize the importance of having a lookalike “tribe” (a group of users from high school or college who all share similar interests) on Snapchat to feel connected to. Having a “Snapchat family” allows users to feel like they are part of something that is so vital and important in the lives of their peers. As if it were not bad enough, some students have even been known to seek after stronger effects, such as using prescription pills or alcohol as an alternative to using their phone.

Conclusion:

As we’ve discussed, Snapchat is a very addictive social media app especially for children. While it has many benefits, such as staying in contact with friends and family members, it also comes with some serious risks to the mental wellbeing of our kids. It is up to parents and educators alike to closely monitor their children’s use of this app. By keeping a close eye on their behavior and decisions regarding this app, we can hopefully curb the addiction before it becomes even worse than it already is!