Snapchat Adjusts “Solar System” Feature in Response to Teen Anxiety Reports
In a recent article, The Wall Street Journal highlighted how Snapchat’s “solar system” feature was contributing to anxiety among teens. The company has now responded by making adjustments to this feature. Previously, the ranking system for paid subscribers displayed users’ positions in their friends’ solar systems, indicating their closeness. However, this led to hurt feelings and realizations that friendships were not as close as believed.
Snapchat acknowledged the negative impact of the solar system feature and announced that it would turn off the feature by default, although Snapchat+ subscribers can still enable it if desired. Snapchat hopes that this change will strike a balance between the feature’s popularity and the potential harm it can cause.
While Snapchat states that the solar system feature is not widely used, it is worth considering that the feature is only available to paid subscribers. It would be more relevant to know how many Snapchat+ users have engaged with the solar system feature.
Some tough conversations and even breakups have resulted from users discovering that they were not their friends’ number one. Snapchat defends features like the solar system and argues that users wanted more insight into their friendships. However, in reality, such features are designed to keep young people, who are heavily influenced by social hierarchies, addicted to using Snapchat.
The solar system feature was just one of Snapchat’s friend ranking systems. Another called “Best Friends” prioritizes the people users frequently communicate with. Additionally, the controversial “Streaks” feature encourages repeated use of the app by showcasing how many consecutive days users have stayed in touch with each other. Snapchat faced significant backlash from parents, lawmakers, and regulators due to concerns about addiction and psychological harm. In response, Snapchat introduced the option to pause streaks and restore lost streaks.
While Snapchat claims to be committed to mitigating the downsides of online communication, it has implemented features that have resulted in lawsuits and congressional inquiries. This raises questions about Snapchat’s intentions and its responsibility to protect its users.
To remain relevant and address potential future trends, the industry must be cautious of features that may have negative consequences for users. Platforms should prioritize the mental health and well-being of their user base rather than solely focusing on user engagement and addiction. This requires a greater emphasis on ethical design practices and a willingness to listen to feedback and make necessary changes.
Overall, Snapchat’s adjustment to the solar system feature demonstrates its recognition of the potential harm it can cause. However, it also highlights the need for platforms to be proactive in assessing and addressing the social and psychological impacts of their features. Protection of users should be a top priority, and industry leaders should strive to create a safer and more enjoyable online environment for all.