Tons of campaigns have been launched in the last decade about safety precautions for social media, and, for the most part, students have taken away knowledge from them. Students now know to be mindful of what they post and how they are viewed on social media. What I am unable to understand is how all of the precautionary measures that are taken on common social media sites like Instagram and Twitter are completely thrown out while using the newly popular photo sharing app VSCO Cam.
With the rise in popularity of the new app VSCO Cam, developed by Visual Supply Co., uncovering private pictures is as easy as clicking on a link in someone’s Twitter or Instagram bio.
VSCO Cam is a photo editing app that is gaining popularity for its sharing feature. Unlike Instagram, VSCO Cam social aspect called “grid” does not show a person’s followers and does not have liking or commenting features. Because VSCO Cam is designed to be more for photo editing and sharing purposes, it is easy to mistake it as a more private alternative to widely viewed and popular social networks such as Instagram and Twitter.
According to iTunes preview, the number of followers, comments, and likes are absent from the platform because beautiful imagery trumps social clout.
Because VSCO Cam’s sole purpose is not to be a social media app, there are no privacy options available. The inability to see who is following your account gives the false security that it is a private thing that no one will see, but it is a completely open site that can easily be accessed by typing in a simple URL.
Recently, it is more likely than not that to find a VSCO Cam link in a teenage girl’s Instagram or Twitter bio. This app is where all it seems to be acceptable to post pictures that do not seem suitable for general social media platforms.
Photos in of classmates in revealing clothing, drinking, and smoking are all types of things that can potentially be found on VSCO Cam. Although the majority of people using this app do not fall under that category, it is much more likely for teenager to post scandalous pictures on VSCO Cam than on other social media sites.
An app that held an original purpose to share creative photos has been manipulated into a way of publicizing pictures to let everyone else know that you have the best selfies, hottest body, and best weekend plans.
According to a 2013 study done by Kaplan, 31% of college admissions officers check potential students’ social media to see if they would be a good fit for the school. It is important to take this into consideration before posting pictures on social media that may be seen as questionable.
Social media is more than just a way of connecting with people and sharing memories. It is a digital record of everything that you want the world to know about you. Pictures linger on the internet far after you press delete, so never convince yourself that it is okay to sacrifice your future for the wellbeing of your social media presence and popularity.
Abbe Murphy | Editor-in-Chief
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