Mobile Social Networks

Smartphones have made keeping in touch easier than ever, and social media platforms have capitalized on this by developing apps specifically for mobile phones. While many platforms also have websites accessible via internet browsers, some social media apps function solely on smartphones, with limited or no computer functionality. These apps often focus on features like picture and video sharing that are more readily usable on smartphones.

All social media apps may have different features and capabilities or may highlight various methods of social interaction. At their core, they allow for accessible communication on your mobile device. Here are some key points to consider when using mobile social networks:

Social Media Focused Around Pictures or Video
Smartphone cameras and microphones have improved tremendously over the past decade. Your phone is always just a few clicks away from being a powerful camera or video recording device, which makes sharing photos and video clips easier than ever. Many smartphone-exclusive social media apps are centered around sharing content through these mediums.

The fast and casual nature of sharing photos on these platforms, whether as a post to many followers or directly to a few friends, means you may need to put more thought into what you're sharing. Be mindful of the details in your photos and videos, and ensure you aren't giving away too much information about yourself or others.

Disappearing Photos/Videos Don't Necessarily Vanish
Some social media apps allow you to send photos and videos that can only be viewed for a limited time. Afterward, the content is no longer viewable by the recipient. This can be useful for sharing pictures or videos of casual events that you and your followers may not want to keep, such as what you ate at brunch or an interesting finding while out shopping.

However, consider using this option to send other personal content with the thought that because it disappears, so does the record of what you sent. Keep in mind that whoever receives your picture or video can easily screenshot what you send. Some apps will notify you if someone takes a screenshot of what you sent, but most apps don't block the feature entirely. Always assume that someone could take a picture or make a copy of what you sent, one way or another. The social media company itself may have a copy of it and everything else you've sent on their servers to comply with data retention policies.

Location-Based Social Media Apps
Some social media apps are specifically designed to connect people based on their location. These apps can be used for everything from dating to finding local events. However, sharing your location can pose privacy risks. Users should be cautious about who they share their location with and understand the potential consequences of revealing their whereabouts.

The Impact of Social Media on Mental Health
Mobile social networks can have both positive and negative effects on mental health. Constant access to social media can lead to issues like anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem, especially if users are heavily influenced by the curated, often idealized lives portrayed by others. Encouraging breaks from social media and promoting a healthy balance between online and offline life can help mitigate these effects.

Social Media Algorithms and Echo Chambers
Many mobile social networks use algorithms to show users content that aligns with their interests and past behavior. While this can make the user experience more enjoyable, it can also create echo chambers where users are only exposed to ideas and information that reinforce their existing beliefs. This can limit perspectives and contribute to polarization.

Data Sharing and Third-Party Access
When using mobile social networks, it's important to understand how your data is being shared with third parties. Many apps collect data for their own purposes and to sell to advertisers or other businesses. Be sure to review the app's privacy policy to understand what data is collected, how it's used, and who it's shared with.

Security Risks of Mobile Social Networks
Mobile social networks can be a target for hackers looking to steal personal information. Users should be aware of the potential risks and take steps to secure their accounts, such as using strong, unique passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, and being cautious about the information they share.

The Influence of Influencers
Mobile social networks have given rise to influencers with significant sway over their followers' opinions and purchasing decisions. It's essential for users, particularly younger ones, to evaluate the content shared by influencers critically and understand the potential for bias, as many influencers are paid to promote certain products or lifestyles.

The Role of Mobile Social Networks in Social Movements
Mobile social networks have played a significant role in organizing and spreading awareness about social movements. These platforms allow for rapid dissemination of information and can help mobilize people for causes. However, they can also spread misinformation, so it's important to verify sources before acting on or sharing information.

The Future of Mobile Social Networks
Looking forward, mobile social networks are likely to continue evolving with the integration of new technologies like augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and artificial intelligence (AI). These advancements could change how we interact with social networks, making them even more immersive and potentially raising new privacy and security concerns.

Read the Terms and the Privacy Statement of Any Social Media App You Use
Website-based social media platforms are not the only ones with privacy settings and terms of use. Before you start posting, snapping, sending, or messaging, look at the platform's terms of use, which will tell you about the acceptable use of the app's services. Also, check your privacy settings. While these platforms don't necessarily let you find other profiles in the same way as larger, more traditional platforms, you may still be searchable, and your post may be viewable to anyone. Make sure your settings only allow your friends to see what you post.

Additionally, check to ensure the app isn't tracking your location and tagging your pictures to any map. You may have to opt out of this feature rather than opt in. Finding the settings can be tricky in some of these apps, so be sure you fully explore all of the features available to you before you use them for the first time.

Lastly, research the social media app's parent company and where it is located. If it is located outside of the United States, laws in its respective countries could give other entities access to your information and images. Even if it is located in the US, check to see what rights it has over your images. If you do not agree to the terms, do not use the app.

How Can You Monitor a Child's Activity on These Apps?
There are several ways to monitor a child's usage depending on the type of site, including friending or following them. Be mindful that some sites may have different features on a web browser version of the site than on the mobile app. For these reasons, it's important to keep an open line of communication with your child about the risks and dangers of sharing sensitive information through these apps if you choose to let them use it.

Remind them that pictures, videos, and chat logs can be saved and shared and that they can always come talk to you about content and interactions that make them uncomfortable. Just because pictures, videos, and messages may disappear after a short time does not mean they should give in to requests that make them uneasy.