In an exclusive interview with CNBC-TV18’s Shereen Bhan, Spiegel stated, “Snapchat does not have the negative mental health impacts seen on platforms like TikTok and Instagram,” referencing independent research conducted in Australia.
He also pointed to findings from the Netherlands, which supported Snapchat’s role in enhancing users’ well-being and relationships. “Research shows that relationships with friends are some of the strongest predictors of positive mental health outcomes,” Spiegel explained.
Snapchat’s private and visual nature differentiates it from other social media platforms, which rely on public metrics like likes and follower counts. Spiegel noted, “We don’t have public friend lists, making it harder for people to discover and harass your friends. Our focus on close relationships and strict content moderation minimises harmful effects.”
In light of increasing regulatory scrutiny on social media’s role in mental health, Spiegel advocated for thoughtful regulation while emphasising Snapchat’s uniqueness. “We want to ensure that Snapchat isn’t grouped with platforms that have measurable negative impacts because we are different,” he asserted.
Spiegel reiterated Snapchat’s commitment to fostering meaningful connections through technology. While some governments, including Australia, are considering stricter regulations on social media access for younger users, Spiegel remains confident Snapchat’s differentiated approach will protect its standing. “We’re strong proponents of thoughtful regulation, and independent research validates our strategy,” he noted.
First Published: Nov 19, 2024 8:50 PM IST
