Peyton Ash uses Snapchat AI with the bitmoji feature. Photo cred: Ellary Smith
Snapchat users were introduced to a new Snapchat feature in February 2023, “Snapchat AI,” but it wasn’t rolled out without backlash. Some users accused the feature of making the app more addictive and invasive. The worldwide social media platform utilized AI to make their app more enjoyable, but Snapchatters debate whether the move was worth the risk.
Since February, there has been some uncertainty concerning users' privacy and the amount of information AI may withhold. The feature responds immediately and gives users answers and advice in response to inquisitions, statements, or photos. Snapchat has added “Snapchat AI” as a way for users to utilize the increasingly-popular program, “Chat GPT.” AI on Snapchat cannot be removed from a phone, a major complaint for some people. It can answer questions, send photos, and engage in human-like conversation. After a user communicates with their personal AI multiple times, it begins to pick up on their habits.
Sophomore, Iyla Freed, thinks the AI is an invasion of privacy.
“When I send a picture, it makes comments on my picture and knows everything about what I just sent,” Freed said. “I think it has a negative effect most of the time because it’s just annoying.”
On the other hand, Freed can see the “bright side” of the feature.
“It’s positive when you don't have service and are trying to look things up," Freed said. "But overall, I would say it has a negative effect.”
The AI can remember anything a user asks and all of their conversations.
“I like how the AI has answers for almost anything you ask,” said sophomore Mitch Jasper. “It's helpful if I want to ask for something and it helps me study. I have used the AI more than once and nothing is forced on you to ask it anything.”
Those with similar beliefs to Jasper find that the AI is inviting and has no control over individuals. Jasper welcomes the new development, finding the tool’s user-friendly and beneficial characteristics beyond helpful to students and teenagers.
Sofia Wells, a sophomore at Watauga, agrees more with Freed about Snapchat AI tool.
“I don't think AI is a good thing because it knows too much about me,” Wells said. “If I ask it a question, it says stuff about my location and remembers specific things about me.”
There are some concerns about AI and how it is affecting users. Some students like the AI because it helps with their homework but others are concerned for their privacy. With newfound technology, beliefs vary about the power it should have and the side effects we may experience.
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