Existentialism and Snapchat: Finding meaning in disappearing messages

Snapchat is an American multimedia instant messaging app. One of the principal features of it is that pictures and messages are only available for a short time before they become inaccessible to their recipients. Existentialism is a form of philosophical inquiry that explores the issues of human existence. It explores questions related to the meaning, purpose, and value of human existence. These two intersect in intriguing ways within the context of modern communication and self-awareness. Snapchat with its nature of disappearance of photos and videos after being viewed reflects the transient and impermanent nature of existence of life in the universe. This aspect resonates with existential themes, which emphasize the shortness of life and the absence of inherent meaning or purpose. Existentialists argue that human existence is ultimately devoid of inherent significance and individuals confront the uncertainty and impermanence of their own lives, just as the snaps vanish into the digital ether. The ephemeral nature of snapchat messages also raises questions about memory, identity, and the construction of selfhood, themes that are central to existential thought. The feature of saving messages or snaps that someone sends reflects the precious memories that individuals cherish, though they became past. Moreover, the app’s emphasis on visual communication and self-expression parallels existentialist explorations of the human condition through art and literature. Just as existentialist uses their work to confront the absurdity and complexity of existence, snapchat users leverage visual storytelling to express their unique perspectives and experiences, creating momentary digital artefacts that capture transient moments of meaning and connection. The streaks feature, where users maintain consecutive days of communication with each other by exchanging snaps can be interpreted with the principles of existentialism. The decision to maintain the streaks reflects the freedom of choice inherent in existentialist philosophy. Though it may seem a way to cultivate relationships in a digital environment, but it lacks any real meaning in the communication between individuals. However the pressure to maintain streaks can also evoke existential anxiety, as individuals may feel compelled to uphold these digital rituals out of fear of losing social validation, similar to the existentialist notion of obligation arises from the tension between the desire for authentic relationships and the pressure to conform to societal expectations even in virtual spaces. Hence, snapchat and existentialism converge in their exploration of themes such as impermanence, authenticity and the construction of identity. With the analysis of the intersections between digital communication and existential philosophy, we get to understand the influence of technology on our understanding of self and existence in the contemporary world, vice- versa.

- Narmadha P S

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