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I’m in the Snappy Chats and Tickedy Tocks.

Snapchat ghost puking rainbow.

I’ve actually had Snapchat and TikTok for years, but never really used them. Now that my daughter is in middle school, all her friends are on them, and she wanted to check them out too. So I re-downloaded the apps and am up and running again just so I can help her out and stay connected with her.

Turns out, I still don’t get Snapchat. I don’t know who thought this UX was a good idea, but it’s super confusing. Every time I use it, it frustrates me.  When it comes to TikTok, I understand why people use it, but I don’t really see any value in it. Most videos they serve up to me are just stupid. Granted I’d probably like both better if I had more friends using them. 

The main problem with any social media in schools is that no one is teaching privacy or how to be a decent human being. They turn into avenues for bullying because that’s the type of content that gets views and kids just want to be popular.  Plus, it’s easier to say and do things online that you’d never do in person. Giving kids the freedom to do whatever they want never ends well. Who’s paying attention to these kids and holding them accountable for what they say and do? I’m all for letting them have some freedom and express themselves, but it needs to be monitored and kids need to be held accountable.

At this time, we’re proceeding with caution and reviewing what’s coming in and going out. We’re talking with our daughter about how to be a good human both online and in the real world, as well as explaining data privacy. So far she understands it and hasn’t been drawn in social media as much as all her friends. She’s not using it for the views, but for interacting with friends. 

If you want to connect with me on Snapchat or TikTok, you should know how to find me. If not, reach out.


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