6 Reasons Why Snapchat is Toxic: Negative Side of Snapchat!

Snapchat is the go-to platform for the younger generation. You can easily send snaps, share stories and chat with your friends on the platform. The instant messaging platform has seen immense growth, especially in the past few years, but with its development, there are reports of adverse effects that Snapchat has on the over well-being of a user. If you are someone who wants to know the dangers of Snapchat, you are at the right place. In this article, I will tell you several reasons why Snapchat is toxic. 

Considered one of the most addictive social media platforms, Snapchat’s tricks and algorithm sure has made its place among young adults. With its ephemeral and instant messaging, the platform has surely attracted teens on the platform and their well-being is one of the main concerns of their parents. Whether it is unhealthy comparisons or low-self esteem issues, all these concerns are linked to Snapchat.  

So, without further ado, let’s dig in to learn Snapchat concerns, is Snapchat bad for mental health, and  Why Snapchat is Toxic.

6 Reasons Why Snapchat is Toxic

In a study conducted in 2017 by the Royal Society For Public Health and Young Health Movement (YHM) both Instagram and Snapchat were listed as the most toxic and negative social media platforms, especially for teenagers and young adults. Now that it is established with a study that the impact Snapchat has on its users is quite negative, it is time to understand how Snapchat is toxic.

Reason 1: Creates Unhealthy Standards of Beauty

Snapchat as a platform is one of the pioneers in introducing filters on its app. The beauty filters on the platform easily play with the mind of its users and thus creates unhealthy standards of beauty. 

Thus, when young teen looks at snaps from creators on the platform, they instantly crave that kind of beauty, even if they know that it is a filter and can be attained with just a few clicks, hence it creates an unhealthy standard of beauty. Isn’t this the most common reason why Snapchat is toxic?

Reason 2: Constant Urge to Stay Connected

Since Snapchat is an ephemeral platform there is always a need to send snaps, maintain streaks, and thus the unhealthy urge to stay connected on the platform. Even though Snapchat lets a user take a break and deactivate their account. But it is quite difficult for users to do that. 

As users on Snapchat are constantly chasing numbers be it their snap score or the number of streaks, thus the instant messaging platform is considered one of the most addictive social media platforms and the urge to stay connected on Snapchat is not healthy and is a major reason why Snapchat is toxic. 

Reason 3: Instances of Drug Abuse Through the App

Quite sadly, Snapchat has been in the news lately for all the wrong reasons. Snapchat app is associated with selling drugs to underage youth and thus causing a huge menace of drug abuse across the world. 

In 2021, a 16-year-old son died from an overdose of drugs that were sold on Snapchat by a local dealer. Sammy took some fentanyl-laced Xanax sold to him through the online platform.

After the incident took place, the doctors warned parents across the world to look after their kids and regulate their online activity on platforms like Snapchat.

Reason 4: Disappearing Messages Make Bullying Easy

We all know how Snapchat operates, you can easily send messages and snaps on the platform that are vanished instantly. The instant nature of messages on the platform makes it easier for users to bully other users as there is no proof of the message being sent. 

The disappearing messages easily propagate the idea that you can say and do anything on the platform without facing the repercussions, thus, there are reports of bullying and intimidating young teens on the platform. 

Reason 5: Snap Map and Easy Accessibility to Location

With so many concerns about mental health issues and the well-being of a user, is it really worth it to have your Snapchat location turned on? The Snap Map feature on Snapchat is a location tracker built directly into the app. 

The location tracker tells your friends or specific users about your current location, thus taking for granted the privacy feature. Many teens have reported incidents of bullying and domestic violence due to the Snap Map turned on. 

Reason 6: Negative Self-Promotion Through Nudity

Taking the ephemeral nature of Snapchat a little too seriously users tend to promote themselves on the platform by sending nude snaps. The receiver who views it can still grab a copy by taking a screenshot or by taking a photo with another device. 

It is to be noted that the number of snaps you send on the platform is easily recorded and to promote yourselves on the platform by sending nudes is definitely not a good idea. 

Is Snapchat Addictive?

Yes, Snapchat is a fast and addictive social network that can negatively impact teens’ self-esteem. The nature of Snapchat is that you need to keep sending snaps every day, whether you like it or not.

Since users on Snapchat usually post idealistic photos on the platform, thereby creating pressure on everybody else to do the same. Thus, an addictive feature of maintaining streaks, and setting unrealistic standards on the platform comes into play. 

Is Snapchat Toxic For Relationships?

Yes, Snapchat is considered toxic for relationships. Features of Snapchat such as best friends and streaks can create awkward feelings between people. 

The platform has been accused of creating a false sense of self and it threatens our ability to communicate effectively with people around us when we see them in person. Face to Face communication has been negatively impacted by Snapchat, thus it is considered quite toxic for meaningful friendships and potential romantic relationships.

Wrapping Up

Snapchat never stops experimenting. But many reports have stated that Snapchat as a platform can be quite draining and it can affect your life negatively. If you are someone who wants to know about, Snapchat concerns, Snapchat for teens, Why Snapchat is Toxic, and how it affects your mental health, read the entire article and do share it with your friends.

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