What is BeReal?
BeReal is a new social network that wants to show its users in “authentic moments” unposed and without filters . Only one photo can be posted each day. The app tells you when this happens. All users receive a notification at a certain time that “BeReal time” . You then have two minutes to post a photo . Anyone who opens the app can take a photo of the surroundings . selfie is also taken. The posting then shows what users are currently doing and what they look like. This photo will then be visible in your profile for 24 hours.
BeReal does not automatically publish the first photo that is taken. Users have several attempts to take a photo. However, the other users can see how many attempts were necessary.
In order to encourage users to share so-called “BeReals” themselves, they only see their friends’ postings after they have uploaded their own photos. However, the platform is not quite as strict about when exactly this has to happen: BeReals can only be shared later, but they are then marked as “Late”: i.e. as photos that were taken too late and not during the two-minute posting slot .
By the way, the photos can be commented on and provided with “Realmojis” (mini photos of users as emoji).
You can also delete your already published BeReals. However, users must then provide a reason for this.
Why is BeReal so popular?
The aim of the app is to bring more reality to the social media world “Perfect” Instagram photos are not to be shared on the platform snapshots that show users without posing in a bum outfit . It's fun, requires courage and gives insights into the everyday life of your friends.
Is there an age restriction?
BeReal is ages 13 and . According to the terms and conditions , young people between the ages of 13 and 16, depending on the country, require the consent of a legal guardian.
In practice, the minimum age hardly plays a role, as younger children can also download and use the app.
What are the risks of using it?
- The 2-minute posting slot encourages young people to post photos online that they would otherwise not share . Users may photograph themselves in very private situations, for example in bed in the evening or with an unflattering facial expression. Even if these photos disappear after 24 hours, screenshots can be taken and used against a person. As with any social network, cyberbullying play a role here.
- BeReals show everyday life and therefore also family members, friends, relatives and strangers - and not always in a beneficial way. “right to one’s own image” also applies here , which is intended to ensure that people are not portrayed to their detriment. Users should therefore always ask for permission before publishing an image.
- In addition, the surrounding area is always photographed with the BeReals, which sometimes gives online friends an insight into their own four walls or other private areas. Privacy protection is also a big issue here: Even if the app expects a high level of spontaneity, users should be careful not to reveal too much about themselves.
- Filters, staging and perfect photos are actually not a priority on BeReal. Nevertheless, the desire to present yourself in a “cool” way and only show the exciting and interesting facets of everyday life . This can put young people under pressure .
BeReal encourages people to publish photos spontaneously and without thinking about further consequences. But be careful: once content is published, it is difficult to remove it from the Internet again.
Tips for parents
- Talk instead of banning. Even if you are skeptical, a mere ban is counterproductive, especially if the apps are very popular among your child's circle of friends. Talk to your child about why they really want to use the app and clarify possible risks together.
- Discover together. Just try out BeReal yourself or go on a “journey of discovery” with your child. Not only will you better understand the fascination behind it, but you will also be able to better assess possible risks.
- Protect privacy.
Explain to your child why it is important to protect their privacy. Show them how to create photos without revealing too much about themselves. Also discuss that your child should only share BeReals with friends. If children publish content in the so-called “discovery area”, they have no influence on who sees the photos. - Protect location.
BeReal adds a location to the photo by default. We recommend not using this location function as it represents a significant invasion of privacy. Discuss with your child that they should never tag real-time photos with their current location. - Agree on rules.
Discuss with your child which moments it would be better not to share (e.g. in bed, in the bath or scantily clothed). Photos that allow conclusions to be drawn about where you live or school should also be avoided in order to protect privacy. Also remind your child that before publishing other people's photos, they should ask for permission so as not to violate their "right to their own image". - Discuss peer pressure, pressure and challenges.
Talk to your child about the fact that they don't have to take part in every BeReal challenge, even if everyone says they are doing it. And: Posting photos late is better than being haunted by an embarrassing photo for the rest of your life.
Source
Saferinternet.at
Also read: BeReal shows users your exact location
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