Messaging App Acts Following Complaints of Teen Stress Over Friendship Rankings”
Snapchat has announced the removal of its controversial “Solar System” feature amid growing concerns over its impact on teenage users. The feature, available to Snapchat+ subscribers, allowed users to gauge their closeness with friends based on communication frequency, sparking anxiety and insecurity among teenagers.
In response to feedback from users, Snapchat stated, “We understand that even though it can feel good to know you are close to someone, it can also feel bad to know that you aren’t as close to a friend as you’d like to be.” The company further explained its decision to disable the Solar System feature by default, giving users the option to activate it if desired.
Changes in the feature will now require Snapchat+ users to opt-in to access it, a move aimed at striking a balance between meeting user demand for friendship insights while respecting the concerns of those who find the feature distressing.
“We hope this strikes the right balance by providing a feature desired by many while avoiding upsetting those who don’t want to use it,” Snapchat stated, emphasizing its commitment to enhancing the user experience for all members of its community.
The Solar System feature, while intended to provide additional context to online relationships, has been criticized for exacerbating stress and insecurity among teenagers. Some users reported feeling pressured to maintain certain social rankings within their friend groups, leading to strained relationships and heightened anxiety.
Snapchat clarified that the feature only displays the user’s position within their friends’ Solar Systems and does not reveal individual positions to others. Despite this assurance, concerns persist regarding its potential impact on teenage mental health and well-being.
As Snapchat continues to evolve its platform, it remains committed to addressing user feedback and enhancing features to ensure a positive and inclusive experience for all users, especially teenagers navigating the complexities of social relationships online.
