A study by the University of Michigan looked at how college students used their smartphones and found that, the most "rewarding" communication happened through Snapchat.
"On the surface, many people view Snapchat as the 'sexting app,'" Joseph Bayer, the study's lead author said in a statement. "But instead, we found that Snapchat is typically being used to communicate spontaneously with close friends in a new and often more enjoyable way."
According to Tech Insider, the study was the first of its kind, asking questions like, "How pleasant or unpleasant was your most recent interaction?" and "How close are you to that person?"
Communications on Snapchat were "associated with more positive emotions than Facebook and other social technologies," according to the study. Snapchat is better than Facebook, at least to the study participants, because it is "self-presentational." This means that its ephemeral nature—AKA the idea that the snaps are only viewable for a small amount of time—is key to allowing users to prevent smaller, more personal moments to everyone else.
We had a feeling that Facebook was depressing, but now it's a fact. Thanks, science :)
Snapchat geofilters, the location-based graphics that you can place over your photo, are a fun way to spice up your pictures and let your friends know exactly where you're snapping from.
But did you know some of them are made by users? Here's how you can submit your own geofilter design to Snapchat.
Here's how to submit your own geofilter designs to Snapchat.
You'll need to use Adobe Illustrator or Photoshop to create your design. Snapchat has specific templates for each program. Click here to download them.
Your submissions should be saved as web-optimized, transparent PNG files. Make sure each design is 1080 pixels wide and 1920 pixels high. Files should also be under 300KB.
Check out this chart from Snapchat for more details about the specifics of your design.
Click here when you're ready to submit your design. First, you'll have to create a geofence for it. A geofence designates the area where you want the filter to be available. Use Snapchat's map tool to create your fence.
Next, upload your PNG file by clicking the large plus sign in the upper right-hand side of the screen.
Once your image is uploaded, you'll need to provide some basic information, including your name and email address. You'll also have to explain "why is this location meaningful to you."
Snapchat has strict rules about geofilters, so it's important to do your research if you want your design to be accepted. Filters for specific businesses are not allowed. Neither are designs that block too much of the screen. When designing your filter, Snapchat recommends picking a "location where people are likely to gather and send Snaps."
If you're thinking about submitting your own geofilter, be sure to check out Reddit. There are tons of threads devoted to tips and tricks for designing the perfect filter. You can even post your design ideas to get feedback from other designers.
Snapchat already won our hearts when they introduced their front-flash feature, and gave us the ability to share our best selfies. But on September 15, Snapchat launched another fun surprise for snappers around the world: Lenses.
Here’s how they work: When you open the selfie cam on the app and press/hold on your face, you'll be able to select one of the new lenses located on the bottom of the screen.
Then, you'll be led to a few instructions where you'll see the fun take place. If you're a fan of Apple's MacBook Photo Booth, you'll love this update and get it instantly. You can now send even more embarrassing photos to your besties, by distorting your face, adding googly-eyes and even some over the top "makeup." The best part? You'll never run out of lens options because a new one will be added to the bottom every day! (And one will also be dropped.)