Snapchat streaks and the human ego

Snapchat streaks have no point, but only to boost people’s egos.

Maria Ly
Staff Writer

Since 2011, when Snapchat first started, it has become a social media sensation, ranked one of the top five social media apps with over 500 million downloads. 

Ask anyone on campus for their snapchat and the likelihood of them having it is very high. It has gotten so popular to the point where it’s preferred over normal texting. With it’s fun filters, snap stories, news page, and the infamous snapchat streaks, what is there not to love? 

However, a question that has been going through my mind is: What is the point of snapchat streaks? After asking around and thinking of my own Snapchat habits, I’ve decided, there is no point. 

Snapchat streaks only boosts people’s egos and helps them feel popular. My 16-year-old cousin obsessed with socializing and who is quite popular has at least 40 snapchat streaks! He is always checking his snapchat, and always sending streaks in his free time. When his phone dies, he begs others to log on to their phones so his streaks don’t get lost.  

Most of my friends are this way too. One of my friends when going on a camping trip even gave someone access to take care of her snapchat streaks. I guess you could call it snapsitting? 

Most young people have a fear of missing out which may also be a reason why they use snapchat streaks. Snapchat streaks helps you feel like you’re in touch with people and not so alone. In my dark days of high school when I felt lonely, I would have streaks in a way to feel connected to others. I felt like I was missing out if I didn’t participate in the latest trends.

Snapchat streaks fuels competitiveness. No one wants to lose. Snapchat streaks in a way is like a bet of who can last the longest. One of my friends who is highly competitive in everything she does, will just not give up when it comes to streaks. She sees streaks as a game, and like a game, she has to be the winner. 

To put it simply, there is no point in having Snapchat streaks unless it’s to boost the human ego. 

Feature photo courtesy of Flickr.