Snapchat’s apparent guarantor of ephemerality for its users reflects a key theme of digital media and everyday life, namely privacy as a central concern and pursuit of those active in using digital and social media. Snapchat is also indicative of the compulsion of connectivity and an example of the reciprocal, or rather the obligatory, nature of retweeting, following, linking and liking required to establish and sustain digital presence and value. Covering topics such as Snapchat's Spectacles, sexting, cyber bullying and privacy, this short student-friendly book will explore the history, business model, cultural impact, and future of the 'snap.' Discussion questions and further resources help students to engage critically with the way Snapchat impacts everyday life.
Chapter 1: Introduction
Chapter 2: The Ephemeral Internet
Chapter 3: Immediacy
Chapter 4: Privacy vs. Secrecy
Chapter 5: Trust and Leaks
Chapter 6: Media and Memory
Chapter 7: Snappy
Andrew Hoskins is Interdisciplinary Research Professor in the College of Social Sciences at the University of Glasgow.
