Santa Monica, US: Snapchat, the popular teen-focused social network, is positioning itself as a healthier alternative to platforms like Instagram and TikTok, which have faced criticism for their impact on youth mental health. However, not everyone is convinced. At parent company Snap's annual conference in Santa Monica on Tuesday, CEO Evan Spiegel emphasized the platform's unique approach.
"When we started Snapchat, we wanted something different, and we didn't like the way that social media made us feel," Spiegel said. Snapchat is often seen as a better alternative by authorities, associations and parents concerned about the harmful effects of social networking on young people. And its reputation as a "safer" social media option has been bolstered by recent research.
A University of Amsterdam study, cited by Spiegel, found that while time spent on TikTok, Instagram and YouTube negatively impacted mental health, Snapchat use showed positive effects on friendships and well-being. That said, critics like Matthew Bergman, founder of an organization representing social media victims, argue that the ephemeral nature of Snapchat -- where stories disappear after 24 hours -- facilitates criminal activities. "In particular, the disappearing message serves to provide an open air drug market for drug dealers to sell drugs," he said.
Bergman's group represents 180 parents whose children allegedly died from fentanyl poisoning after purchasing drugs via the app. Whether Instagram, TikTok or.