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#Post#: 100--------------------------------------------------
Snapchat- A new, "safe" way to sext? (Avital Benyamini
'15)
By: SharonShaji Date: December 5, 2012, 11:03 pm
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A huge controversy has blown up over the prospect of using a new
app called Snapchat. Snapchat, which can be downloaded on
androids or iPhones, is used to send funny and, in some cases,
provocative pictures. However, the highlight of this app
surrounds the ability of the photo’s sender to set the standard
of how long the receiver may be able to see it for. After the
receiver sees the photo, it is deleted from both phones. The
idea sounds risk free and amusing, but it is the very same
concept that makes the app so addicting and dangerous.
The prospect of sending an ugly "selfie" or a weird, silly face
to another friend for a short amount of time without him or her
being able to save the picture or upload it to a social network
site seems exciting. Of course, as with every other app, it is
being abused. Teenagers are using this app to "sext", which is
illegal and very dangerous. Sexting involves the aspect of
sending or receiving sexually suggestive or provocative nude
photos. One may potentially get into serious trouble with the
law if he or she is caught or seen sending or having nude
pictures on a phone or computer. However, the most disturbing
part of sexting via Snapchat is that teens have figured out how
to save the picture on their phone; simply screen shot the
picture as quickly as you can. Screen shooting the pictures that
people have received from Snapchat has become very popular and
easy to do. Ironically, it completely undermines the point of
the app which is to only be able to see the picture for up to
ten seconds before it is forever deleted. Teens that have used
Snapchat to sext have been, most unfortunately, fooled about its
safety. Once their photos are sent to another person, the
receiver now holds the power to do anything with it, such as
distribute it and make it go viral.
Despite the dangers and concerns, Snapchat ranked No. 2 in the
list of top free photography apps, right after YouTube and just
before Instagram. To put it into perspective, one billion photos
have been taken through this app while 20 million are shared
every day.
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