Over the years, my relationship with Snapchat has had its ups and downs. I remember in the app's early days when all you could do was send a picture that didn't include the possibilities of filters or geotags. My Stories weren't a thing yet, you didn't have to worry about keeping up streaks, and you couldn't send messages through the app. Snapchat has drastically changed over the years and has taken the social media world by storm. Despite being a bit of a Snapchat addict, there are aspects of Snapchat I hate.
1. You live life through a filter.
People can make it seem like they're having a crazy, fun time by strategically posting a picture of them at a certain place or looking a certain way just for the snap. In actuality, someone can be miserable. People want to guide your perception.
2. Screenshots.
You have to be careful what you send because people can always screenshot what you're doing. Don't post anything too self-incriminating on your story.
3. You can't see what you sent after you send it.
It's kind of sad how you'll send a picture and then never see it again (unless someone screenshots it). It also sucks when you send a snap, have your friend reply, then forget what you originally sent.
4. Snapchat streaks.
The fact that we can grow so emotionally attached to a number just shows how Snapchat can take a toll on our feelings. When people break streaks with us, we feel hurt. When we don't have our phone available, we will go to great lengths just to keep our streaks alive.
5. Seeing people's best friends.
I remember a beautiful time when you could click on someone's name and alas, you can see their top three best friends. Now Snapchat uses different emojis to indicate your Snapchat relationship with the other user. You can only tell if you're someone's best friend if they are your best friend as well due to the yellow emoji heart.
6. Losing your spot as someone's best friend.
It's sad to be mutually best friends with someone one day then see the yellow emoji heart go away the next day. Then you send a bunch of random snaps just to make your way back there.
7. Long stories.
Some people feel the need to document their entire day through Snapchat. It's annoying to have to rapidly click through every picture. I don't care to know about every aspect of your day.
8. FOMO.
FOMO, or "fear of missing out," is too real when it comes to Snapchat. It sucks when you see people having an exciting time and you're sitting around being bored.
9. You can keep tabs on people.
In a sense, Snapchat invades our privacy. Snapchat allows us to see where people are and what they're doing. Unlike texting, we can't hide behind a screen. Snapchat puts us on the screen.
10. The addiction.
I'm so used to waking up and checking my Snapchat. Throughout the day, I feel like I'm constantly checking the app.
Even though I do hate certain aspects on Snapchat, I will obviously still continue to use it because I like that I can connect with people easily. I enjoy having a peek into others' lives. The important thing when it comes to Snapchat is to remember that there's a world beyond the screen and you shouldn't just do things "for the snap."
