Snapchat: The Sexting Sensation that's Sweeping the Nation

Like Snapchat pictures, this post will be short and only available for a few seconds.  Or, at least, short.  I have no idea what the programmers behind the viral app had in mind when they released it, but I can tell you what it's being used for.  Reports from the NY Daily News, Daily Mail, and- get this- the New York Times say that teens have been using the software to sext, at least a little more safely than traditional text message sexting.  The idea is that the picture can only be viewed for a few seconds before it is deleted from both phones, and the company's servers.  It also alerts a user if an individual takes a screenshot of said picture.

Creator Evan Spiegel claims the app was created to reverse the idea that everything posted on the internet should stick around forever.  That it is supposed to encourage sharing and communication.  I personally don't see the appeal.  I've used Snapchat for its more platonic and "fun" uses, such as sending pictures that say "thinking of you", and funny faces, and I don't get it.

I guess there are people who find the platonic uses somewhat boring, and have graduated to using the software as a "vehicle for sexting."  For some unknown reason, people have been lulled into a false sense of security, and have been sending each other suggestive photos.  No harm no foul, right?  It can last a maximum of 10 seconds, and then deletes itself.  And the programmers have been kind enough to put code in that recognizes if a user takes a screenshot, and alerts the sender.  Here's the problem with all of this:

1.  Someone with quick enough reflexes can get a screenshot of your Snapchat photo.
2.  Even if that app alerts you that the receiver took a screenshot, it's too late.  That individual now has a compromising nude photo of you, and could post it online or send it to others.
3.  The receiver can take a picture of their phone.  This gives them a copy of the Snapchat photo, and the sender won't even be alerted.
4.  There is a way on smart-phones to take a screenshot without the Snapchat application knowing.  This is pretty self-explanatory.

There are several blog posts that end their already preachy article on sexting with commentary on a poor lifestyle choice with sending nude photos of oneself to another, blah blah blah.  I'm not here to preach, we've all heard the guilt-trip speeches.  I'm just to share the information.  Do with it what you will.