Key Takeaways
- Snapchat has adjusted its "solar system" feature in response to concerns about teen anxiety.
- The company is turning the solar system feature off by default, but subscribers can still activate it.
- Snap argues that the solar system is not widely popular, with less than 0.25% of the community using it.
- The feature, along with other ranking systems like "Best Friends" and "Streaks," has faced criticism for its addictive nature.
- While Snap promises to mitigate the downsides of online communication, it has faced lawsuits and congressional inquiry over its features.
News Content
Snapchat adjusts the "solar system" feature, which ranks users' closeness to friends, due to feedback that it can lead to hurt feelings. The company will turn off this feature by default for paid subscribers and offer the option to turn it back on. The feature has sparked tough conversations and breakups as it reveals friendship dynamics. Snap defends the feature as providing additional awareness and context but has faced criticism for potentially feeding into the addictive nature of social hierarchy among young users.
Snapchat's ranking systems also include "Best Friends" and "Streaks," which have faced backlash for their addictive nature and psychological harm. Despite the company's commitment to mitigating the downsides of online communication, these features have attracted lawsuits and Congressional scrutiny. This move to adjust the "solar system" feature is seen as an effort to address concerns over its potential negative impact on users.
Analysis
Snapchat's decision to adjust the "solar system" feature reflects the growing awareness of the negative consequences of social media ranking systems. Indirectly, the shift signifies the mounting pressure on tech companies to prioritize mental well-being over addictive engagement. Short-term, this move may appease critics and exhibit a commitment to user welfare. However, long-term, it could result in a dip in user engagement and potential legal implications, impacting the company's bottom line. The trend towards more user-centric design in social media platforms is likely to continue, with the focus shifting from gamification to fostering healthier online interactions.
Do You Know?
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"Solar system" feature: This feature ranks users' closeness to friends, potentially leading to hurt feelings. Snapchat will turn off this feature by default for paid subscribers due to backlash. It has sparked tough conversations and breakups as it reveals friendship dynamics.
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"Best Friends" and "Streaks": These ranking systems on Snapchat have faced criticism for their addictive nature and psychological harm. They have attracted lawsuits and Congressional scrutiny, leading to concerns over their potential negative impact on users.
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Addressing concerns: Snapchat's move to adjust the "solar system" feature is seen as an effort to mitigate the downsides of online communication and address concerns over its potential negative impact on users.