Snapchat has decided to backtrack on a feature that allowed paying users to track how close they were to their friends' social circles. This decision came after reports surfaced that the feature was causing anxiety and insecurity among teenagers regarding their relationships.
The feature, known as Solar System, was part of the Snapchat+ subscription and displayed a user's ranking within a friend's 'orbit' based on communication frequency. The closer a user was to their friend's 'sun,' the closer the friendship was perceived to be.
Recognizing the negative impact it was having, Snapchat acknowledged that while it could be gratifying to know one's proximity to a friend, it could also be distressing to realize a lack of closeness. As a response, the company announced that the Solar System feature would be turned off by default, although users could opt to enable it if desired.
By disabling the feature by default, Snapchat aims to strike a balance between meeting the preferences of users who find it valuable and respecting the concerns of those who do not wish to use it. The company also expressed its commitment to evaluating the feature further to explore potential enhancements for the community.
Snapchat defended the Solar System feature by stating that it offers additional awareness and context to online relationships, which often lack the depth and social cues present in face-to-face interactions. However, feedback from teenagers indicated that the feature exacerbated their stress and self-doubt about their social connections.
One teenager shared her experience of how the feature negatively impacted her relationship with her boyfriend after he discovered his position in her 'solar system' relative to another male friend. She highlighted the challenge faced by many young users in distinguishing between online friendships and real-life relationships.
While Snapchat clarified that the feature does not reveal other friends' positions and remains private to the user, the incident has reignited discussions on the influence of social media on teenage mental health. Experts have linked social media usage to feelings of isolation, prompting legal actions against platforms like Snapchat.
The scrutiny on social media platforms and their impact on mental well-being has led to congressional hearings addressing child safety and mental health concerns, involving key figures such as Snapchat's CEO, Evan Spiegel.
