Automatic Archiving versus Default Deletion

Abstract

Unlike most social media, where automatic archiving of data is the default, Snapchat defaults to ephemerality: deleting content shortly after it is viewed by a receiver. Interviews with 25 Snapchat users show that ephemerality plays a key role in shaping their practices. Along with friend-adding features that facilitate a network of mostly close relations, default deletion affords everyday, mundane talk and reduces self-consciousness while encouraging playful interaction. Further, although receivers can save content through screenshots, senders are notified; this selective saving with notification supports complex information norms that preserve the feel of ephemeral communication while supporting the capture of meaningful content. This dance of giving and taking, sharing and showing, and agency for both senders and receivers provides the basis for a rich design space of mechanisms, levels, and domains for ephemerality.

Media, Meaning, and Context Loss in Ephemeral Communication Platforms

“…Media and information ephemerality is not a new topic, but has gained attention with a small number of ephemeral communication platforms (e.g., Snapchat, Silent Circle, and Wickr) which have recently grown in popularity [27]. Snapchat, available as a mobile app on iOS and Android, launched in 2011 (under the previous name Pictaboo), [7] and has attracted over 100 million users worldwide [16].…”

“…Reaching more than 60% of US smartphone users between the ages of 13 and 34 [22], it has achieved an exceptionally high adoption rate for teenagers and young adults. Often, people use Snapchat to communicate with friends, maintain relationships, provide co-presence by sharing "slices" of their life, and share content that they consider fun or creative [3,27].…”

“…Typically, users take photos or videos using the application, and then specify the number of seconds (up to ten) for which the recipient is allowed to view the content. After this time, the content 'disappears' (i.e., it is no longer accessible via the Snapchat user interface), and the recipient can no longer see it [5,22,27]. Each user can configure their settings to specify a default for the snaps they send, or the view time can be changed when they send an individual snap.…”

Why Do People Adopt, or Reject, Smartphone Password Managers?

“…2) Specific App Adoption Factors: Some researchers have studied specific app adoption, such as the 'Snapchat' messaging application [23,24,25]. Vaterlaus et al [23] studied Snapchat application usage by young adult Smartphone owners and found that it impacts their interpersonal relationships with friends and family.…”

“…Psychological & Sociological: core features supporting relatedness/social need [23,17,25], subjective norms [27], ethics [28], habit [21].…”