Disclaimer: When I first wrote this article I was naive to the strong negative opinions some parents and church leaders have against Snapchat. I hope to get all your concerns recorded so we only offer the best guidance on Leading Saints. Until we do so, please read the following article with an open mind and know that the author is not trying to recommend anything that would harm youth or put them in inappropriate situations. 

It should also be noted that the LDS Church recently created a Snapchat account and is doing a great job connecting with youth through this popular social media platform. You can follow the Church @ldschurch on Snapchat.

 

You have seen the youth in your Sunday class giggle as they all take a silly group selfie on Snapchat. You allowed such silly behavior before the lesson starts, but you never considered participating. Snapchat appeared immature and only for the youth. Well, times are changing. Now is the day that you, as a LDS youth leader, need to be on Snapchat. I know, you never anticipated this day to come, but it's no longer an option. If you really want to connect and form bonds with your youth, they need to see you on Snapchat.

Here are 6 reasons why...

1. It's Not What You Think It Is

Early on, Snapchat earned the stigma of being a naughty app. Pictures shown on Snapchat disappear after viewing them, which led to the idea it was perfect for sexting and trading inappropriate pictures. This was the practice of some users but it is definitely not allowed on the platform. About 1% of photos shared on Snapchat are sexually explicit and they won't randomly show up in your account unless you voluntarily connect with Snapchatter that do so. It is against the terms and conditions of Snapchat to post "content that contain pornography, graphic violence, threats, hate speech, or incitement to violence." (Snapchat Terms) This content should be reported and the account producing inappropriate content will be suspended.

So, no, it isn't an evil app, but it can be used for evil just as much as other popular platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Google.

2. Youth Are Fleeing Facebook

Adult leaders probably feel pretty hip now that they have their own Facebook account. Sorry to tell you this, but that was totally last decade! Facebook has a problem, and they know it. The youth are bored with Facebook and many don't even bother to check their feed regularly. Apps like Snapchat provide a more dynamic experience that appeals to the youth. So if you only have a Facebook account to stay in touch with your youth, it might be time to join the world of 2016.

3. It Humanizes You As a Leader

A recent University of Michigan study revealed that Snapchat brings more happiness than Facebook. Facebook is built on idealism. Don't we all have those friends on Facebook that appear to always be on vacation or finishing their third marathon of the week? That's because people only put their best of the best on Facebook. The way that Snapchat is set up causes people to be real. You can only view the photos and messages shared in the last 24 hours on Snapchat. S0, you get what you get. No constant bragging about your trip to Europe that you took 6 months ago.

By participating in Snapchat you show your youth the real day-to-day of your life. Sitting at work. Watching your kid play soccer.