Snapchat is a social media app that allows friends to communicate with on-the-go photos and videos that automatically disappear after being viewed . However, a new update feature called Memories makes the app more edited and less like its original self.
Source: Snapchat
The new feature allows users to send photos that were not taken on Snapchat directly. One can save a picture to Memories, then edit the photo and resend it later to friends. Memories also allows users to save photos and protect them using the “My eyes only” feature. Users are able to have more privacy by setting a password to protect photos they don’t want others to see.
A potential problem with Snapchat being more edited and controlled is that it could experience the same problems Facebook has had regarding digital uploads. Facebook has reported a decline in user uploads. Due to the many photos, videos, and news reports uploaded to Facebook by professional companies, users may be hesitant in uploading their own videos and photos after looking at the other highly edited and professional content. What made Snapchat special was the fact that there was less pressure when sending digital content due to the fast paced nature of the app. But now, with these new updates, Snapchat is becoming more similar to other popular social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram, two apps known for heavy editing and curating
There has however been a positive response to this change and many users have incorporated Memories when uploading snap stories and sending snaps. Jackie Lee, an avid Snapchat user, does not see this change as anything negative. “I think this update provides a new way to share old photos. The ability to send old photos allows me to share past memories with my friends via Snapchat.”
