Is BeReal Changing the Way We Perceive Social Media?
Laney Benedict and Mr. Wilkinson capture a BeReal. Laney Benedict/Eagle Talon
“It is all about authenticity. It offers no edit buttons, and certainly no filters – and that apparently is part of its appeal," contributor Peter Suciu said in an article for Forbes.com.
BeReal is a social media app that allows users to post unfiltered photos once a day. The goal of this is to promote healthy, genuine media, but is that the case?
This app allows users to choose whom they friend, normally people who are close to them, so they are more comfortable posting about their personal life compared to other apps. It gives a window into people's real, everyday lives that are not always glamorous or exciting. Its authenticity is something not seen on other platforms.
“There is less stigma around ‘Oh I need to make what I’m presenting to the outside world look perfect’.”
“Social media is really edited and not real, but BeReal is just pictures of what you’re doing right then,” sophomore Krystal Johnson said.
BeReal’s goal is to avoid artificial media by giving a time limit on how much time someone can spend taking a picture. This way, it allows your friends to see what you are doing at that present moment. However, is it changing the way we perceive social media?
“I think BeReal has changed how people perceive social media,” senior Devon Dixon said. “There is less stigma around ‘Oh I need to make what I'm presenting to the outside world look perfect’.”
Some people do not think this is the case. They believe it is just like any other social media app out there, where people take photos of what they think will receive the best reactions from their audience.
“People don’t even take their BeReals, and I only take mine if it's something cool or funny,” junior Jason Nguyen said.
Currently, social media and people’s online presence are so clouded with filters, makeup, and staged photos that people have been forced to believe that those are the only things socially acceptable or worth viewing.
“I think it is going to have a big impact on the way people see everything,” Pueblo East High School senior Angel Suarez said. “Everyone will be able to see how confident people are on actually being real on taking a picture and not just showing what the internet wants to see.”
Skylar Davis, Maia Thaxton, and Bianca Josma capture a BeReal. Maia Thaxton/Eagle Talon
The app has spread rapidly and became popular amongst several age groups. Some believe it is implementing the ideas of authenticity enough to leave permanent effects on social media.
“I think it will have lasting effects and influence over social media platforms because, one- it’s new, two- it’s something where everyone can connect at once, and not have to look everywhere for a picture or be in the moment,” junior Harleigh Grabil said.
A major reason that BeReal is gaining popularity so rapidly is that it is something different and innovative, drawing in users to try it.
“I think it is ahead of its time,” Dixon added. “BeReal is a standalone. Currently, I don’t think another platform could really add to the idea that they have.”
While most other social media platforms are different variations of the same thing, BeReal has created something new all on its own, and it is safe to say it is thriving.
“I think BeReal introduces the idea of people being online and being genuine because instead of people only showing you what they want to show you,” Sandalwood sophomore Julian Soto said. “BeReal allows people to see what you actually do on a day-to-day basis, and you could be like any other person.”