Snapchat is a highly interactive and more interesting social network than the others. Its features, based on augmented reality (AR), are more attractive and seem more practical for sending photos, videos or messages. Indeed, it's an innovative technology whose main target is today's younger generation.
However, this social network is as beneficial as it is dangerousespecially for the younger ones.
Is Snapchat bad? If so, why do we say so? In the rest of this article, we'll be taking a look at the negative aspects of using this platform.
Snapchat is dangerous: What are the downsides of Snapchat?
Why is Snapchat dangerous for teenagers? Here are a few of the platform's negative points!
Dependency and lack of self-confidence
The programming of the Snapchat application is intended to cause a dependency. It's really fun to edit your photos on Snapchat using its various filters.
But looking at photos produced with filters, teenagers risk feel complexed by their actual appearance and lack self-confidence outside the application.
Privacy exposure
There's a game on Snapchat to see which members manage to keep a “Streak” by being faithful to the use of the application. As a result, teenagers are able to disclose their connection data to their friends to Snapchat, in order to retain their status. These identifiers can then be used to distribute inappropriate content on the web (even outside Snapchat).
Cybercrime
Snapchat can encourage deviant behaviour send, save and share sensitive photos, cyberstalking, etc.
Similarly, we know that there are malicious individuals who exploit various social media platforms in order to minimize traceability clues. For example, if a teenager displays its identifier Snapchat on their Instagram profile, someone with malicious intent go and see it and make use of it to get in touch with him on Snapchat.
Inappropriate content
On Snapchat, there is a real risk of inappropriate content due to the open nature of the platform, where content is not managed.
While exploring Discover, your children may be exposed to inappropriate images or messages shared by other users of the platform. Please continue reading below to protect your children from potentially inappropriate content on Snapchat.
How old do you have to be to use Snapchat?
As with many social platforms, it is necessary to’be 13 years old to sign up for Snapchat. If this piques your curiosity, be sure to check out why Snapchat is forbidden to under-13s !
Although Snapchat's age limit is 13, this cannot prevent younger users from signing up, as the platform does not perform any verification checks.
This way, as soon as your child gets their first smartphone, which in France is at an average age of 11-12, they can sign up for Snapchat.
Is Snap secure?
In general, Snapchat is secure. Certain security features have been implemented by the application in order to protect the privacy of its users. However, no system is completely immune to potential vulnerabilities.
But if you want your kids to use Snapchat, here's a tip that might come in handy:
Securing Snapchat for my child :
With Parental Controls, you can monitor your children's activities and restrict their access to certain content.
- But first, you need to create a Snapchat account:
- Next, on your profile, select settings, tap the “Parental Controls” button.
- Search for your child's profile in the search bar and send them a friend request.
Now let's get down to the nitty-gritty of determining who is authorized to send snaps, view storiesand access its location. To do this :
- Check your Settings ;
- Then opt for Privacy options ;
- You can make your child's location and number private.
For this approach to be effective, it is essential that your child accepts the invitation you've just sent him.
However, we encourage you to maintain a communication with your child. For example, ask your child to only add people they know in real life, to talk to you about their online experiences as often as possible, and many other things.
Using Snap Map: What are the risks?
Snap Map is the geolocation feature of the Snapchat app that broadcast the precise location of the user on the map. Activating certain advanced options may sometimes expose you to danger.
- Depending on your settings, other users (even those who are not your friends) may see your location.
- With SnapMap, users can even “pinch to zoom” on your story page and display the location from which you are posting on the map.
- Strangers, even predators and scammers, can use it to take advantage of you. trace (and to find out if you are not at home, with a view to breaking in).
- The SnapMap function uses both the camera, of the login data and GPS system. Prolonged activity on Snapchat can therefore deplete not only a large part of your data volume, but also your device's battery and memory.
Is the My AI chatbot dangerous for your children?
Inspired by ChatGPT, Snapchat's My AI literally means «My Artificial Intelligence.» Initially reserved for Snapchat+, all users can now access this feature. With this technology, users can carry on any kind of conversation. They can also customize My Ai by changing the background, setting its name, etc. Which is quite fun, at least so far...
But what are some of Snapchat's chatbot users saying?
- Being pinned to their thread, some people find it intrusive, since it cannot be unpinned or deleted.
- The chatbot also has access to users' positions, which is very useful. a little scary because the My Ai chatbot pretends not to know but can suggest nearby locations. Hence, this leads to the conclusion that it represents a threat to user confidentiality, especially young people who do not always recognize the danger in their surroundings.
Indeed, this new Snapchat feature worries some, but others claim that there is no danger as long as you keep a certain distance from the chatbot. What do you think as parents?
However, it should be noted that you can develop a real business on Snapchat and generate stable income. You just need to be aware of the risks and know how to set limits on what you share. And for other Snapchat tips, such as how to hack a Snapchat account for freeYou can count on our help by referring to our articles!
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