We’ve discussed various aspects of social media a few times here on CCF — whether it’s selfies or our “social mask” (AKA Instagram vs. real life), there’s a lot to talk about in this category. Now with Snapchat being a thing, there’s EVEN MORE TO TALK ABOUT. So let’s just get to it.
If you listened to last week’s episode of Fashion Friends, you’ll know about my feelings towards Snapchat. If you haven’t listened, do it…then join in on this discussion. But to fill you in, I’ve never really understood the point of Snapchat. Mostly because I found out about it through a friend of my mom’s about two and a half years ago. She told me her 13-year-old son and his friends use it so their parents can’t monitor their text messages. So keep in mind, up until every major fashion brand / person / blogger joined (which was very recently)…I thought this was basically a sexting app for teens (which sounds terrible when you say it out loud). Now you can use it to send double chin photos to your friends, hoping they don’t screen capture it and save it for a rainy day, OR you can post a bunch of nonsense for the world (or whoever follows you) to see. Regardless, at almost 27 (on Thursday!) I do feel too old for Snapchat. But should I?
For things like fashion week, traveling or any other big and exciting events, I totally get it. Behind the scenes stuff? Love it. So down.
But for everyday, do you really want to see me cheers my friends at a bar or what I made for dinner? (because I’ve posted both of those things…and if you answer no, I’m so not offended). Sometimes, those things might be Instagram worthy (only if the lighting is perfect, of course) but do you really CARE? (again if the answer is no…still not offended). If you haven’t noticed by now, although I had strong opinions on my podcast of not joining Snapchat…I did…the day I published the episode. I guess you can’t knock it ’til you try it, right? So I tried it. And I have no idea what I’m doing. NO IDEA.
I know the point of bloggers / brands / celebrities being on Snapchat is to get a glimpse into their everyday life (although isn’t that what Instagram was for?) Hashtag BTS, if you will. But what if my life isn’t all that exciting on a day-to-day basis? (because unfortunately I’m not interviewing Rihanna at the Grammys). I share what I can on Instagram. But some days, especially when the weather is shitty, I will literally watch Netflix and cuddle with my dogs all day…in my pajamas. Are you actually interested in me capturing that? Whether for Instagram or Snapchat? I just can’t see why you would be. But now that I am on the app, I am trying to share random everyday stuff. Like yesterday, my boyfriend, dogs and I walked along the river and on Michigan Avenue (so basically being tourists), and I shared some of those moments on Snapchat (and one spectacular photo…if I do say so myself…on Instagram). The city is so photogenic, I can’t help myself. But I’ve also posted dog videos (duh), my attempt to cook shrimp and grits the other night, and even a trip to the Logan Square Farmer’s Market so the 30 people that do follow me on Snapchat know that I SUPPORT LOCAL. Because you can’t comment or “like,” I guess I’ll never know if I’m doing a good job Snapchatting (which is probably a good thing).
We live in this world where oversharing is the norm. I never thought I’d give in. But clearly peer pressure continues after high school. If you didn’t Instagram that latte with the perfect soy milk heart, will we know that you’re sufficiently caffeinated for the day? How would I ever truly understand how much fun you had with your friends at that music festival if I didn’t follow you on Snapchat? What will I do with my life if I don’t see at least one photo of your baby everyday on Facebook? There’s fine line between sharing and oversharing, and Snapchat has crossed that line into oversharing. Whether that’s a good thing or a bad thing…that’s up to you to decide.
—
So, now…the ball is in your court. Are you on Snapchat? If so, what kinds of things do you like to see on there? If you follow a “fashion person” do you want to see their day-to-day life even if it’s not “fashiony” or do you follow for the fashion? I’m a newb (shameless plug — username: chicityfashion) so anyone who has been using Snapchat longer than me (so over a week), feel free to share your thoughts. I would LOVE to hear from you.
Images via Pinterest, WSJ & my own creation 😉
I too had no idea Snapchat crept into mainstream social sharing. Thought it was still just a “teen sexting” app. But big brands are getting in and churning out useful stuff. NPRNews does a great job on it, as does SongofStyle. I just starting using it for travel and event minutia. (Chicagoings)