What You Should Know About BeReal: The Latest Social App Capturing Teens' Attention
Instead of focusing on likes, followers, and filters, BeReal allows teens to share real moments with their friends without the performance anxiety often associated with other platforms.
The social media landscape is constantly evolving, with new platforms emerging that appeal to the habits and interests of today’s youth. One of the latest apps making waves among teenagers is BeReal, a unique social media platform that stands apart from the usual curated content of Instagram or TikTok. While it may seem like a fun and harmless way for teens to connect, it’s important for parents to understand how the app works, the potential risks involved, and how to guide their children in using it safely.
What Is BeReal?
BeReal markets itself as a more authentic and spontaneous alternative to traditional social media. Unlike other platforms where users can spend hours editing and filtering their photos before posting, BeReal encourages users to share a single photo each day, captured at a random time determined by the app. When the notification to post comes through, users have two minutes to take a photo using both the front and back cameras on their phone. This “in the moment” approach is designed to promote authenticity by discouraging overly curated content and providing a more genuine snapshot of users' lives.
The app has gained immense popularity among teens who appreciate the break from the pressure of maintaining a perfect social media presence. Instead of focusing on likes, followers, and filters, BeReal allows teens to share real moments with their friends without the performance anxiety often associated with other platforms.
Why Are Teens Drawn to BeReal?
Teens today are increasingly aware of how social media can impact their mental health, particularly when it comes to self-image and peer comparison. The more relaxed and genuine nature of BeReal provides them with a sense of relief from the “highlight reel” culture of other apps. The app fosters more intimate connections by focusing on smaller, private groups of friends rather than public profiles or large audiences.
Additionally, BeReal’s limited posting window creates excitement and spontaneity, as users never know when they’ll be prompted to post their daily photo. This adds an element of fun and unpredictability, which many teens find appealing.
Potential Risks for Parents to Be Aware Of
While BeReal may seem harmless, there are a few things parents should consider:
1. Peer Pressure to Stay Constantly Connected
The app’s random daily notification encourages users to drop what they’re doing and post immediately. For teens, this can lead to a constant need to check their phone, contributing to screen addiction and increasing pressure to always be online when the notification comes through.
2. Location Sharing
By default, BeReal can include the user’s location in posts. While sharing location with close friends may seem innocent, there are risks involved, especially if teens are not aware of how much information they are sharing. Location data can inadvertently provide insight into daily routines or sensitive areas like schools or homes.
3. Privacy and Oversharing
The casual, in-the-moment nature of BeReal may lead teens to overshare personal information without thinking about the long-term consequences. Since there’s little time to edit or filter posts, teens might not always consider how their posts could affect their privacy or safety.
How Parents Can Help Guide Their Teens
1. Have Open Conversations About the App
Start by asking your teen about their experience with BeReal. What do they enjoy about it? Are they aware of the app’s privacy settings? By having a non-judgmental conversation, you can gain a better understanding of how they are using the app and discuss any potential risks in a supportive way.
2. Review Privacy Settings Together
Help your teen go through the app’s privacy settings to ensure that they are only sharing their location with trusted friends and that their profile is as secure as possible. Educating them on the importance of privacy will empower them to make safer choices online.
3. Encourage Digital Boundaries
While BeReal’s spontaneous posting feature can be fun, it’s important to set boundaries around screen time and social media use. Encourage your teen to turn off notifications when they’re in school or during family time to avoid the constant pull of the app.
How Spy99 Can Help Monitor Your Child’s Social Media Activity
Spy99 is a powerful parental control app that allows you to monitor your child’s online activity, including the time spent on social media apps like BeReal. With features such as real-time monitoring and social media tracking, Spy99 provides insight into your child’s digital habits without being invasive. You can ensure that your child is engaging safely with social media, while also promoting healthy boundaries and responsible usage.
BeReal offers teens a refreshing take on social media, promoting authenticity over curated content. However, as with any social media platform, there are risks involved, particularly around privacy and oversharing. By having open conversations with your teen and using tools like Spy99 to monitor social media activity, you can ensure that they are using the app safely and responsibly.
