What's Happening?
BeReal, founded by Alexis Barreyat in 2020, is a photo-sharing app that encourages users to post unfiltered photos once a day. The app sends a notification at a random time, giving users two minutes to capture and share a photo using both front and back cameras. BeReal eliminates filters and follower counts, promoting authenticity and real-time sharing. The app's growth has been driven by word-of-mouth among Gen Z, earning the title 'app of the year' in Apple's App Store Awards in 2022.
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Why It's Important?
BeReal's focus on authenticity and real-time sharing challenges the norms of traditional social media platforms, which often prioritize curated and edited content. This approach may appeal to users seeking a more genuine online experience, potentially reducing the pressure to present a perfect image. By eliminating likes and follower counts, BeReal could help alleviate issues related to self-worth and anxiety, particularly among younger users. The app's unique features may influence the future of social media by encouraging platforms to focus more on authentic interactions rather than popularity metrics.
Beyond the Headlines
While BeReal promotes authenticity, the app's design still involves a level of performance, as users may stage their surroundings or choose not to post at all. This highlights the complexity of achieving true authenticity in social media. Additionally, BeReal's requirement for users to post before viewing others' content may raise concerns about privacy and the pressure to participate. The app's success could lead to discussions about the balance between authenticity and privacy in digital interactions.
