Snapchat Update Essay

Consider firing your software engineer. The new, dramatically different update has sparked well-deserved outrage within the Snapchat consumer base. When it comes to efficiency and design, the social media app is sub-par, due to poorly engineered software and substandard graphics. By condensing the social aspect of the app and drawing more attention to the media aspect, it undermines the functions that users originally downloaded the app for. Snapchat gave its users a redesign–one they never asked for–and are facing the consequences. Hence why it should be in Evan Spiegel’s (founder and CEO of Snap, Inc.) best intentions to reconcile with his consumers and recover the previous version.
With the release of the new Snapchat update, many users have found that it has not made the app easier to use, but has in fact made many features more difficult. There is a general level of annoyance among users, to the point where many users are using VPN to go back to the old version. Despite Snapchat’s PR team recent statement claiming they understand the disdain towards the new layout and hope that users will adapt well, the

change wasn’t for the better. Unfortunately, this isn’t a matter of being unfavorable of change; the way the app functions and looks is undeniably poor.
The update is understandable, though, as it’s no secret that people aren’t investing anymore.

After Spiegel made the mistake of rejecting Mark Zuckerberg’s three billion dollar offer, the quarterly loses began to increase. Instagram copied Snap Stories–although Snapchat’s algorithms weren’t necessarily proprietary−creating even more competition between the apps. In addition, Spectacles were a certifiable catastrophe, and Bitmoji hasn’t increased the consumer size. Moreover, concentrating on the media and advertisements so heavily has led to lack of connections between users, as it’s easier to interact with complete strangers than friends. Nevertheless, there’s still some sympathy towards the developers and designers. It’s hard to imagine what it feels like to have an entire consumer base so passionately loathe such “hard work” with this kind of

animosity.
From a psychological standpoint, humans are evidently pattern-seeking creatures, we find comfort in orderly things, even subconsciously. The new adaptive feed is a dignified travesty, as it prevents “agenticity,” if you have more than six and half friends. And your poor, poor stories page, still to the right of the main camera, right? It’s unlikely stories will continue to be successful. Users likely don’t want to see the Stories of rapists, like Carter Reynolds, or Musical.ly famous fourteen year olds. The deepest of condolences go to the advertisers back there, may your profits rest in peace.
Snapchat used be an enticing, yet relaxed app, but this new update that nobody asked for is inexcusable. Consumers used to be able to share and save memories on a user-friendly interface, but the new design is a developmental failure. Hence, Snapchat should thoroughly consider returning to the older, more practical version.