By now, private stories on Snapchat have become a commonality among high school students, college students, and beyond. Chances are you’re in at least one of your friends’ private stories, or maybe you even have one yourself. If you are unfamiliar with the concept of a private story, it is the same as a regular Snapchat story where users can post photos with captions but the user can choose the name of the story and who specifically can view it (usually close friends). Various other social platforms have copied the concept of a “private story,” like Instagram with its “close friends” feature.
However, the “private story” culture is unique to Snapchat. Private stories have changed how the younger generation communicates. Here’s why it’s not such a bad thing.
- Life gets busy!
As a college student, my time almost always needs to be carefully planned out. Between attending classes, eating 3 meals a day, hanging out with friends, studying, doing homework, attempting to maintain an exercise routine, getting an adequate amount of sleep, finding time for self care, and much more, time needs to be used meaningfully and often strategically. As much as I would love to see my friends all the time, the reality is that I try to prioritize academics when necessary. Using my private story is a way to update my friends about my life and keep in touch with them without having to text everyone individually. Of course, private stories are not a replacement for texting, but a way to share short moments of my life with those I care about. Additionally, my friends from my hometown are scattered across the country— from Florida, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Connecticut and much more. For the semesters where I can’t see them in person, I want to keep in touch with them, and my private story gives me that convenience — even if it is indirectly!
- A safe space
The beauty of Snapchat private stories is that you get to choose who is included in the story. On Instagram, a user must request to follow an account. Follower count and specific followers are displayed on a user’s profile. On Snapchat, a viewer of a private story cannot see who else is included in the story. In this way, I can individually select people who I feel close with. When I post a story, I know who will see it. This makes me really feel as if the story really is a safe space for me to post what I want because there is a sense of privacy. Instagram culture is usually about posting fake pictures to show off to other people. Snapchat’s private story culture is more authentic (still keeping in mind that all social media is fake).
- Ideal for setting boundaries
Going along with the idea of a “safe space,” Snapchat stories are much better for setting boundaries. If you no longer feel close with a person in your story, you can discreetly remove them from the story. On Instagram, you oftentimes block a person, which is usually seen as an offensive or aggressive move. Additionally, adding a new friend to your private story is often a serotonin boost for that person. It is a sort of “olive branch” of friendship and makes you feel important and cared for. Whenever I am added to a new person’s private story, I find that I feel closer to them by viewing their daily thoughts and experiences. An easy conversation starter is bringing up something funny or memorable that the person posted on their story.
- Expressing yourself & sharing thoughts
Sometimes being vulnerable can be hard. If your social battery is running low and talking to your friend in person or even a text feels too draining, a private story post is a good way to express what you’re feeling. When I see my friend is having a bad day on their story, a quick way to check in with them is to swipe up and ask them how they’re doing. It is easier for some people to express emotions or feelings of stress through the stories and it takes the pressure off of texting one specific person to share their thoughts.
- Having fun
At the end of the day, private stories are just fun! Many people come with creative names to name their story. A funny moment with your friends or an unusual experience is easily captured and posted. Some social media platforms have become so focused on posting images that portray a perfect lifestyle, but Snapchat private stories often bring the fun and carefree feeling back into social media.
Keep in mind: this is not to say that Snapchat private stories have some downsides. Of course, seeing what your friends are doing at all times can and will bring FOMO. And with all social media, things always seem better online than they actually are. Private stories should certainly not be a replacement for in-person interaction. However, as long as private stories are used correctly, they can be a great way to connect with those you are closest with.