What is the purpose of platforms such as 'Snapchat', 'Instagram' and 'Facebook'?

What is the purpose of platforms such as ‘Snapchat’ and ‘Instagram’?

You have probably heard about Snapchat, the mobile app that allows users to send videos and pictures that self destruct after a few seconds. Snapchat is a fun messaging app for sharing moments. You can take a photo or a video, then add a caption or doodle or lense, and send it to a friend or add it to your story to share with the world/your followers. Friends can view individual snaps for up to 10 seconds, and then it disappears. To ensure you are safely using Snapchat, here are a few tips to help you:

1. Only take appropriate photos.Remember that people can take screenshots of any Snap you send them, and save it to their camera roll forever. Also, remember that you never know who your friend will be with when they open your Snapchat, so make sure that you do not send private information!

2. Edit your privacy settings so that only people you know can send you Snaps.
   1. Open Snapchat.
   2. Click on the square button on the lower left and then click the gear button on the page that appears.
   3. Tap “Receive Snaps from…” and ensure that “My Friends” is selected.

Instagram

Another picture app would be Instagram. In short, the point of Instagram is to make connections with people who see the world in interesting ways. You can find and follow people based on the kinds of images that inspire them, and if they like yours, they’ll follow you back. The simple mechanisms of liking and commenting provide great fun and feedback. It’s a new kind of network that’s perfect for the smartphone age. However unlike Snapchat, on instagram, your friends/followers may have access to more personal details. To ensure you are safe here are some important tips:

1. Privacy Settings

There are privacy settings on Instagram that allow you to determine who follows you. With privacy settings, sending out a request is the only way to become a follower of someone. This way is a lot safer than having a public profile because only those who you approve to follow you can see your pictures. Privacy settings also keep away unwanted followers because everyone who wants to follow you has to go through your dashboard and be approved by you.

2. Location Share

There is a feature on Instagram where you can share the location of where you took the picture. If you choose this setting, you can tag your picture to anything you want, but if you click on that location once the post is up, the app brings you to a map and a small dot exactly where you were when you took the picture, down to a grid. To ensure safety, turn off location settings on the app in the settings.

3. Profile Appearance

Some people who are either oblivious or think they are invincible to online harassment or tracking often have their profile picture set to one of their face. This can be dangerous because if your first name and (at extreme times) your last name are on your profile, creepy people can easily do a Google search and find where you live, your age, what school you go to, where you work, your parents, your current location. My recommendation is not to use a picture of yourself for your profile.