Snapchat has decided to disable its 'Solar System' feature by default in response to negative feedback and concerns over its impact on mental health, particularly among teenagers. The feature, part of the Snapchat+ subscription service, allowed users to see their 'rank' among friends, leading to reports of increased anxiety and jealousy. The decision to turn off the feature follows a series of reports highlighting the potential harm it could cause, including parental complaints and a detailed account of its effects on teens' wellbeing by The Information. The move is seen as Snapchat's effort to address the backlash and prioritize user mental health.
New: Snap is turning off its paid friend-ranking feature, known as "Solar System," by default, citing concerns about its impact on the wellbeing of users. The Information was the first to report on the feature's mental health impacts in January. https://t.co/hbO1yB6p7g
Snapchat Solar System: Feature raises concerns among teens - Company responds https://t.co/7gzDn1992t
Snapchat said it would turn off a friends-ranking feature within its Snapchat+ subscription product by default for new users, following complaints from parents about the possible social anxieties it may cause. https://t.co/vEXN9ybRGh
Snapchat turns off Solar System, which lets users see their position in their friends' orbits, by default, after a report said it was adding to teens' anxiety (@sarahpereztc / TechCrunch) https://t.co/9IdMSdtjOJ 📫 Subscribe: https://t.co/OyWeKSRpIM https://t.co/5rQT8Bt2tx
Snapchat turns off controversial ‘Solar System’ feature by default after bad press: https://t.co/ZHaYKncLG8 by TechCrunch #infosec #cybersecurity #technology #news
Snapchat turns off controversial ‘Solar System’ feature by default after bad press https://t.co/jw7yvEEwRr
“Ranking is never good for anyone’s head.” Snapchat’s friend solar system causes jealousy and hurt feelings for teens. @juliejargon reports on the drama around the app’s premium subscription perk. https://t.co/H14Iv785yr https://t.co/H14Iv785yr