What I learned after taking over a 13-year-old's Snapchat account

Advertisement

teens selfie red carpet

Getty/Christopher Polk

Teenagers are serious about their Snapchat game.

Advertisement

Since the launch of the Snapchat "streaks" feature in 2015, a competitive flavor has entered the app. The feature keeps track of how many consecutive days two people have been snapchatting, displaying the number of days on the right side of the friend's name. While many of us might not care about our streaks, some teens strive to get the highest numbers possible.

But these serious snapchatters have one huge problem during the summer: sleepaway camp (most of which do not allow everyday cell phone usage if any at all). Camp-bound snapchatters knew that their most valued streaks would be in jeopardy. So what do they do? Have someone else maintain their streaks for them. And that's how I got the gig.

Complimentary Tech Event
Transform talent with learning that works
Capability development is critical for businesses who want to push the envelope of innovation.Discover how business leaders are strategizing around building talent capabilities and empowering employee transformation.Know More

My 13-year-old sister was headed to camp for two weeks. In fear that she would not be able to get on Snapchat everyday, she enlisted both my other sister and me to take over her account (asking both of us to do it increased the chance that we won't forget).

After two weeks and losing one of her major streaks (205 days) this is what I learned about the scary world of teenage snapchatters.

Advertisement