Chapter 7: Caught in a Snap!

Looking ahead to Chapter 7, it reminded me of when I first got Snapchat and how excited I was to start snapping my friends. I was in high school then, and Snapchat felt like a new way to stay connected. What makes Snapchat unique is that it doesn’t feel as polished as other social media apps, like Instagram or TikTok. It’s more real and spontaneous and lets us express ourselves without overthinking every post. Here’s why I like Snapchat and what I've discovered about it.

One of the biggest reasons Snapchat appeals to me is its sense of authenticity, even with its fun filters. Unlike Instagram, where we might spend more time editing a photo, Snapchat encourages sharing real moments as they happen. Whether it’s a quick selfie with no filter or a random video from a night out, I can create a journal of my life in my Memories. There’s no need to worry about creating an intriguing feed; it’s all about sharing what’s happening in the moment. Plus, with the content disappearing after 24 hours, it feels less permanent, which means way less pressure.

Snapchat is also how I keep in touch with close friends in a low-key, fun way. The Snapstreaks feature was especially popular for a while, keeping us engaged daily. While I don’t care as much about keeping streaks now and don’t snap as many people, I still like using it to casually chat with friends or check in when I don’t get to talk to them as often. Sending Snaps back and forth feels like a mini commitment to staying connected but without the formality of a text message or the pressure of responding to a long post. It’s quick, easy and keeps the conversation going without much effort.

The filters, lenses and sharing features on Snapchat are another big draw. Snapchat isn’t just about chatting—it lets us get creative in ways other apps don’t. Custom filters for events or locations add a layer of fun, and sometimes I open the app just to play around with the new effects. I like using location filters on my pictures, even if I’m not posting them, so I can remember where I was at the time.

One thing I’ve noticed is that Snapchat feels more private than other social media platforms. We’re not broadcasting everything to hundreds of followers—only to the people we’ve chosen to add. This makes it feel like a more personal space, perfect for sharing with close friends or small groups. Unlike apps where “likes” and comments define success, Snapchat is all about quick, personal interactions.

Overall, Snapchat’s laid-back, real vibe is what makes it stand out. It lets us stay connected, express ourselves creatively and share our lives without the stress or pressure of other social media platforms.