There are a few main reasons why a grown man might use Snapchat:
Staying in touch with friends and family
Many people use Snapchat to keep in touch with friends and family members. The playful filters and ability to send photos, videos, and messages that disappear makes Snapchat popular across generations. A grown man may use Snapchat to communicate with younger relatives or just to keep in touch with friends in a casual way.
Entertainment and news
Snapchat features entertainment and news content from major media companies. Following celebrities, sports teams, news organizations, and meme accounts can provide entertainment and information. The Discover section offers video content in a mobile-friendly vertical format. This gives grown men an engaging way to relax or stay informed.
Business networking and promotion
Snapchat is used by many businesses and public figures to promote their brands and products. The informal, visual nature of Snapchat makes it good for behind-the-scenes content and teasers. A grown man who owns a business or has a personal brand can use Snapchat to attract a younger demographic. Even established professionals like lawyers and realtors use Snapchat now for networking and advertising.
Common Concerns about Grown Men Using Snapchat
While there are valid reasons for an adult male to use Snapchat, some people raise concerns:
It’s meant for kids
Snapchat exploded in popularity among teenagers and young adults. Some people still view it as an app strictly meant for youth. But today, over 40% of Snapchat users are 25 years old and up. While teens largely pioneered Snapchat, it’s evolved into a diverse social platform popular across many age ranges.
Risk of inappropriate contact
There have been concerns about adults using Snapchat to inappropriately contact minors. Of course, unlawful and unethical behavior on any social media platform should be condemned. However, this issue is not isolated to Snapchat. Predatory behavior can happen on many networks. Responsible adult men use Snapchat to communicate with age-appropriate friends and family members, just like any social app.
It’s immature
Some believe Snapchat is silly or immature compared to more “serious” platforms like Facebook and LinkedIn. It’s true that Snapchat skews more casual through features like filters and disappearing messages. However, Snapchat offers versatile ways to communicate and engage for both social and professional purposes. Not everything has to be formal – Snapchat fills an important niche for lighthearted connection.
Proper Adult Use of Snapchat
For grown men who want to avoid controversy when using Snapchat, here are some best practices:
– Only add and chat with people you know well, like close friends and family members. Don’t connect randomly with strangers.
– Avoid flirtatious communication and behavior. Keep all interactions platonic and harmless.
– Use privacy settings to limit who can contact you and view your content.
– If used for professional purposes, keep it formal – no inappropriate or overly casual content.
– Set a good example for younger viewers on topics like drugs, alcohol, and sex.
– Ignore or report underage users who connect with you so you’re not accused of wrongdoing.
Conclusion
While Snapchat originated among teens, it has evolved into a versatile communication tool used by millions of adults around the world. Grown men can have perfectly valid reasons for using Snapchat, such as keeping up with friends, entertainment, business networking, and more. However, adult males should use caution and good judgment when interacting on the app to avoid any misperceptions. With age-appropriate contacts and professionalism, men can utilize Snapchat effectively and ethically. The platform is not just “for kids” anymore but now bridges generational divides by the sharing of ephemeral photos, videos, and messages. In moderation, Snapchat can provide grown men fun, engaging connections with friends, family, and followers.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Stay in touch with friends and family | Risk of inappropriate contact |
| Entertainment and news | Perceived as immature |
| Business networking and promotion | Originally designed for teenagers |
5 Appropriate Uses of Snapchat for Grown Men
1. Share funny selfies and videos with close friends
Using playful filters and effects to trade silly Snaps with long-time adult friends can strengthen bonds through laughter.
2. Give a behind-the-scenes look at your business
Snapping quick videos of your workplace, products, or services gives followers an inside view.
3. Wish happy birthday to young relatives
Younger family members will appreciate a customized Snapchat happy birthday message.
4. Send encouraging Snaps to your kids at college
Let your college-aged children know you’re thinking of them with a quick photo Snap.
5. Follow meme and entertainment accounts
Take a scroll through Discover for amusing videos, articles, and more.
Inappropriate Uses of Snapchat for Grown Men
1. Snapping minors you don’t know
Never add or communicate with underage users who are not family members.
2. Flirting with strangers
Do not Snap flirtatious selfies or messages to people you’re not seriously dating.
3. Bragging about drug/alcohol use
Keep Snaps free of illegal or reckless behavior that sets a bad example.
4. Complaining about your spouse
Don’t air details about your marriage or partner to Snapchat connections.
5. Sharing inappropriate “thirst traps”
Avoid sexually suggestive selfies and videos.
Conclusion
Snapchat has evolved beyond its youthful roots to become a diverse social media platform used by all generations. Responsible adult men can leverage Snapchat to strengthen real-life relationships, provide entertainment, and even network professionally. However, grown men should follow best practices by avoiding inappropriate contacts and content. With good judgment, Snapchat can provide a fun way for men to connect with friends, family members, and followers through ephemeral yet engaging Snaps.