Snapchat introduced a feature named “solar system” aiming to rank users’ closeness to their friends based on communication frequency.Â
However, this move has sparked concerns among users and experts alike, fearing it could exacerbate anxiety and lead to hurt feelings.
The feature, while aiming to enhance user experience, has led to tough conversations and even breakups among users.
Snap, in response to the backlash, opted to adjust the feature rather than removing it entirely, they made it opt-in for paid subscribers, claiming low usage rates of less than 0.25%.
However, critics argue that limiting it to paid subscribers skews the statistics.
Despite Snap defending the feature as providing additional awareness about friendships, many see it as a tactic to keep young users hooked on Snapchat.
This is not the first time Snapchat’s friend-ranking systems have faced criticism, with features like “Best Friends” and “Streaks” previously under scrutiny for their addictive nature and psychological effects.
While Snap promised to address the downsides of online communication, its continuous development of features drawing scrutiny and potential legal action raised questions about its commitment to user well-being.
