On Your Mark, Get Set, Self Destruct

Everyone should be familiar with the three-command start when it comes to racing, "On your mark, Get set, Go."  Well needless to say that in the time that it would take an announcer to call off those commands, this message application would have self destructed all sent photos/videos by then.  If you're inquisitive to know what I'm referring to, I'm referencing the photo messaging application that was launched in September 2011, that has increasingly gained notoriety throughout social media. Yes, I'm talking about "Snapchat". 

Snapchats usual demographic users were between the ages of 13 and 23, now there are a combination of people and businesses that uses this photo/video message application.  I was introduced to Snapchat by a friend in July.  As a matter of fact, the book that the readings for our class is based on, "Likeable Media...", uses the app for follow-up with applicants that have applied for positions with Likeable Media.  For instance, upon receipt of a resume, recipients receive automated messages that states, "If you really want to grab our attention, Snapchat us! Show us why you belong here. (Be warned, I'm an evil screenshotter)"

This social media app gives the sender the ability to send a picture or video message with wording and set the timer of the message to self destruct within 1 to 10 seconds of the message being opened.  Although their is the possibility of screenshotting, I think there is a slight chance of someone being able to screenshot the message with a short timer of about 3 seconds, lol.  The appeal behind this app, dubbed "temporary social media", is that people can communicate in ways that they do not have to be as leery of a private picture or message leaking out (as I said again, on a 3 second timer).  It gives way more freedom for some, but then there is always room for error, say for instance a person can activate their screenshot in less than 3 seconds. 

The appeal behind Snapchat is so wide, that the creators Evan Spiegel and Bobby Murphy were offered 3 billion dollars cash for the the sale of the app on November 14th of this year by Facebook and 4 billion the following day by Google, both offers were declined.  I will continue to watch for the progress of Snapchat.  At the count of three this message will self destruct.