Snapchat is more than an app in today’s modern world. It is a way to connect and communicate with people from all over the globe. Not only is the app relevant for chatting, it is also well known for its memories, which are a collection of photos that a user has taken throughout their usage of Snapchat. Snapchat memories have been a pillar of the app for many years. However, it seems that the app is slowly losing its primary features that were once open to all, like the ability to view your own memories.
Snapchat has recently introduced a new update where users with over five gigabytes of memories are unable to view them. Similar to many adolescents everywhere, students at Blue Valley North utilize Snapchat more than they may like to admit, according to a poll conducted by BVN News on Instagram, 62% of students who voted use Snapchat. So, within this large group of students, there must be a few who have an opinion regarding this new update and if it hinders their initial purpose of downloading Snapchat. Sophomore Isabella Seranno has been using Snapchat for multiple years.
“I downloaded Snapchat because everyone else around me had it, and I think the app is useful because it helps me keep in touch with my friends all over the world,” Seranno said.
Snapchat is one of a handful of apps that allows people to communicate despite their location, as all it requires to function is an internet connection. Despite where you live, Snapchat is commonly used by adolescents like sophomore Adrianna Koita.
“I got Snapchat so I could talk to friends,” Koita said.
In addition to speaking with friends, either via message, these Blue Valley North students like to view their memories often.
“I look at my memories multiple times a day, and I even had to purchase more memory space,” Koita said.
Serrano similarly does the same.
“I love looking at Snap memories because I think it’s really interesting to see where or what I was doing one or two years ago,” Serrano said.
Snapchat differs from the standard camera apps of phones because it uniquely replays photos that you may have taken on the same day of another year, reminding people of experiences they may have had. It is important to note that once viewing memories becomes a part of withholding a Snapchat premium account, the number of users the app has may deplete, as memories are such a prominent feature of the app.
“I do not have Snap premium because although I think Snap is fun, I do not think it is worth paying for a membership that will just add a few features,” Serrano said.
Some students use Snapchat more than others, so it holds varying significance depending on who is being discussed. Koita is not in favor of this update.
“I have Snapchat premium but I still have to make more in-app purchases to keep taking more memories,” Koita said.
Serrano is also not a big fan.
“I will keep using it [Snapchat], but I will probably take less photos on it after this new update,” Serrano said.
Snapchat was once a free application that was open to all to use. However, the question of whether memories becoming a premium feature is only the beginning of larger changes circulates in the minds of many.
“I hope they won’t keep changing things, because I really like Snapchat,” Serrano said.
