When someone told me Snapchat was the new social network, I got an account. I tried using it a few times, mainly to send silly selfies back and forth with my wife. But I didn’t really see the benefit of it. In fact, the knowledge it was under fire by parents for being a sketchy tool for sexting didn’t make me feel comfortable using it.
So even though I had the app on my phone, I felt creepy opening it.
Until my pastor and a few other guys I love got accounts. I decided, alright, maybe there’s a valid purpose for this tool after all. And while its potential for creepiness hasn’t gone away in my mind, I’m using it pretty regularly now. I’ve come to appreciate the unique value it adds to my life. Maybe these reasons I’ve found will sway you to use the app, or at least understand why so many Millennials and Post-Millennials are embracing the platform.
1. Snapchat is Instant Connectedness
I’m currently typing this blog post from a Bed and Breakfast in Fredericksburg, Texas. I shared a couple of posts about my trip on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. But there are some experiences I know only a few people will care about—mainly my family. At the same time, though, it feels to start a group text, take a pic on my phone, send it, then delete the pic that I’ll never want to see again.
But with Snapchat, I snap the pick, choose a couple of people I want to connect with, then send it. No space taken up on my phone, and I decide who I want to share the moment with.
2. It’s More Personal than Other Mediums
Notice, I chose who to share the moment with. On Facebook, I don’t necessarily care who sees my post. I just care how many likes I get or how many times people Share it again. Each post essentially turns every person into a number—and I’m hoping those numbers approve of me.
But with Snapchat, I choose who I want to connect with. If I’m using it correctly, I know each Snap I send will personally connect with the recipient. “This is meant for you” versus “this is meant for the world”. I still see the value of the latter, but the former gives me something I’ve been missing in my life.
3. It’s Less Tempting to Be Phony
I don’t have to frame each picture perfectly. I don’t have to do 20 retakes. It’s literally my life I’m sharing—not the perfectly polished version.
In an era where most “social interaction” people get is semi-fake, Snapchat brings the more honest version back for me.
Now, I’m not saying everyone needs to be on Snapchat. But hopefully my journey explains a bit more why teens, college students, and a few brave professionals are jumping in on Snapchat’s platform.
Those are my reasons. If you use Snapchat, what’s in it for you? Share in a comment below!