“Be Real. Your friends for real”... but is it really?
One may ask: what is BeReal and why is it all the hype right now? For those unfamiliar, BeReal is a social media application that has been gathering undeniable attention amongst Gen Z. Unlike other social media platforms, BeReal
aims to show the authenticity of one’s life
sends a daily notification (at random times) to all users, reminding them to post a BeReal
a BeReal is taken by both the front and back cameras
With the urge to hop on the bandwagon of straying away from filtered and carefully curated content, many opt to BeReal for a more authentic and realistic presentation of themselves.
But how do teenagers really feel about the app?
Many teenagers have voiced their opinions on the app. Though you may think most would be positive, numerous teenagers have been feeling the underlying stress and exclusion it brings.
People intentionally wait for the high time of their days to post on BeReal, defeating the whole purpose of being real and authentic.
Calvin, Student at the University of Toronto
I know many people are feeling the pressure of living up to other people's "authentic" lives. Some feel excluded as if they are having less of a uni experience than others.
Leonie, Student at the University of Exeter
The potential dangers of BeReal
But that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Since the app simultaneously takes a dual photo with both cameras on a daily basis, it provides sufficient insight on the user’s whereabouts and regular routines. The aforementioned problem will soon snowball into a detailed book of data on each user, and may be sold to others if said users are of high influence and profitability.
Should you jump into BeReal, first assess the lurking dangers of ‘being real’ to avoid being a victim to another potential wave of social media abuse.
