When I heard about the horror that is the new Snapchat, I resolved never to update the app.
However, to my disgust, I must have put auto-updates on a while ago. Last night, I set my phone down for just long enough to make myself hot chocolate, and when I reopened the app, I didn’t even recognize it anymore. It had updated on its own, and the update was just as horrible as everyone had said. I don’t think I’ll ever forget how disappointed I felt in that moment.
Apparently, Snapchat predicted that its users would strongly object to this update, which it first announced in November.
“One thing that we have heard over the years is that Snapchat is difficult to understand or hard to use, and our team has been working on responding to this feedback,” CEO Evan Spiegel said on a conference call with analysts. “As a result, we are currently redesigning our application to make it easier to use.”
y’all still got shooters out there, i emailed the ceo of snapchat about the update pic.twitter.com/ZIyXajAmxR
— breck goodman (@shaqtus15) February 8, 2018
Although the update is different than what current Snapchat users are accustomed to, it does make sense that it may be a little bit easier for new users to understand. Stories and snaps are now both on the same screen, instead of stories being on the right screen and snaps being on the left screen. The right screen, where stories used to be, is now the Discover page, which features articles from various media outlets as well as group stories.
Because Snapchat has added so many new features in the past few years, some folks think a complete new design might be the best way to accommodate them. (Remember when Stories were this wild new feature and we were all shook?)
Spiegel claimed that users total aversion to the update will likely only be in the short term: “There is a strong likelihood that the redesign of our application will be disruptive to our business in the short term…We’re willing to take that risk for what we believe are substantial long-term benefits to our business.”
Hopefully, he’s right. I mean, most users were also angry about Instagram stories, Instagram videos, the Twitter update and Facebook creating a separate app for messages — but for now the suspicion (and Internet outrage) is all too real. And, apparently it is that bad to these users…
Me saying “good night streaks” to my roommate before bed.
“When the Snapchat update is THAT bad” pic.twitter.com/oVqxykIjbD
— FREDDY (@FreddyAmazin) February 9, 2018
We knew the disappearing IG messages would have a use someday.
HOW TO FIX SNAPCHAT UPDATE; delete the app, open instagram.
— Casey Neistat (@CaseyNeistat) February 8, 2018
Too soon? #RIPvine
I wonder if snapchat is excited to reunite with vine in the digital afterlife
— Megan Batoon (@meganbatoon) February 9, 2018
Shout-out to Twitter for staying loyal to me since sixth grade.
Snapchat ruined itself, Instagram is plastered with videos, Facebook is a 35 and above club, but you Twitter my friend, have killed it
— SEAN PAINE (@seanpaine) February 9, 2018
Gonna throw hands @ the little Snapchat ghost
Snapchat, we need to talk. I know for damn sure I didn’t update this app bc everyone was complaining…. BOUTTA CATCH THESE HANDS
— Acrumb (@lttlemissANGel) February 9, 2018
B–ch, you thought.
Me: The Snapchat update cant be that bad
*updates snapchat*
Me: pic.twitter.com/0M8DmcfLQO
— Kevon M. (@_ksteez) February 7, 2018
I mean, I guess we could all learn from this attitude.
Everyone: this new snapchat update is terrible
Snapchat: pic.twitter.com/NcKtvOGYra
— Living Like Logic (@LivingLikeLogic) February 9, 2018
We’ll get over this when the time comes, but for right now, we’re gonna need some time to process.