I have literally no idea how to use Snapchat.
Ever since downloading the app somewhere between one and three years ago (??), I’ve found myself fumbling around trying to work out exactly what I’m meant to be doing.
I’m not sending nudes. That’s not a thing.
I am filming my dog when he’s being silly, and getting snaps of cute babies in public, although of course I’m not doing that, because that would be highly unethical and impinge on people’s privacy.
What I do on Snapchat is so humiliatingly far removed from what celebrities and 'social influencers' (yes, I follow them for the lols) appear to be doing, that I've legitimately begun to feel like there's a secret set of rules I've just never come across.
For months, I've so badly wanted to understand how cool people use Snapchat, and I've come to the realisation that there's only one way to find out. I need to get a cool person to show me.
Enter: Caitlin*.
Caitlin is my 18-year-old cousin who also happens to be very, very cool. You know what I mean. Her Instagram is flawless. She has that impossible hair colour that only Cara Delevingne and approximately three other people are born with, and she instinctively knows the do's and don't's of any social scenario. SHE'S ALWAYS AT THE BEACH. She's just that sort of person.
So I asked Caitlin to 'pls explain' Snapchat. And you guys, there are rules. Rules that I definitely, 100 per cent, have not been following.
Ahem.
Don't send nudes.
Caitlin says Snapchat isn't about sending nudes. It didn't take long for people to realise that the whole "it only lasts a few seconds!" argument was inherently flawed, what with a little trick called a 'screen shot.' She says there's a million ways for someone to save a photo of you without you knowing, so no one wants to take that risk.
Top Comments
Ha, i love snapchat! My siblings and i use it as a de-facto text messaging app, with the text accompanied by fun little pics/videos. When you live 15,000km away from your nearest family member, any little glimpse into the day-to-day activities of your nearest and dearest is appreciated. It's not going to cure cancer or save the world, but it's something fun that makes me feel more connected :-)
Maybe they should spend less time worrying about their fake online lives and focus on their real lives. I find having "snap chat" accounts and all those other apps try hard. And quite frankly I doubt the people posting their fish face selfies haven't taken 100 shots from different angles and lightening and applying numerous filters before picking the perfect one. Hmmm me thinks try hard. Nothing online is normal, natural or spur of the moment. Put down your phones and start living life, experience it.
Wow, cynical much? Just because it isn't your thing, doesn't mean those who choose to use it aren't living life.