So...Just how Addictive is Snapchat?

About this episode

Andrew Wilmot analyzes the addictive nature of Snapchat using the BrainSafe Addictive Interface Assessment Framework.

Snapchat has built an empire on engineered social obligation — and the Streak is the load-bearing wall. In this episode, Andrew applies the BrainSafe Addictive Interface Assessment Framework to Snapchat, dimension by dimension, and explains why a bilateral, irreversible, public daily obligation counter aimed at adolescents is one of the most concerning design patterns in mainstream consumer technology. We walk through the assessment, score the platform at 26 out of 30 — Critical, with all four automatic Red Flags triggered — and translate that finding into the "What If" Test: a café that tears up your loyalty card if you miss a day, and your friend's card too. The episode closes with five concrete things parents can do today, from having the Streak conversation to setting Snap Map to Ghost Mode. Read more at https://brainsafestandard.co.uk/, and dimension-by-dimension breakdowns are on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/brainsafestandard/.

People in this episode

Host: Andrew Wilmot

Topics covered

• addiction
• social media
• technology design
• parenting
• youth engagement

Keywords

• Snapchat
• addiction
• social obligation
• Streak
• BrainSafe

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Snapchat, BrainSafe, LinkedIn

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