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Is the app BeReal bad?

Published in App Safety 4 mins read

Whether the app BeReal is "bad" is subjective and depends on individual user experience, though significant concerns regarding content exposure and overall safety have been raised. While it promotes authenticity, users should be aware of potential risks.

BeReal is a social media app that sends a daily notification at a random time, prompting users to capture and share a photo using both their front and back cameras within a two-minute window. The goal is to encourage spontaneous, unfiltered sharing among friends, contrasting with the often highly curated content found on other platforms.

Key Concerns Regarding BeReal's Safety

Despite its refreshing premise, BeReal is not without its drawbacks, particularly concerning user safety and content moderation.

Exposure to Inappropriate Content

A significant concern for users, especially younger ones, is the potential exposure to inappropriate content. Investigations have indicated that a substantial number of users, nearly 60%, have reported encountering sexual content on BeReal. This figure is notably higher than what has been observed on many other social media platforms, raising flags about its content moderation effectiveness.

Privacy and Location Sharing Risks

Like many social media apps, BeReal collects user data and offers location sharing features. By default, your location is shared with your friends when you post, which can be a privacy risk if not managed carefully. Public posts can also reveal your general location to a wider audience if not disabled.

Pressure for Authenticity vs. Reality

While BeReal champions authenticity, some users may still feel pressure to present a certain image, even within the two-minute window. The desire for a "perfectly authentic" moment can lead to stress or a performative aspect, contradicting the app's core mission.

BeReal's Unique Aspects and Potential Positives

Despite the concerns, BeReal offers features that many users find appealing:

Focus on Authenticity

BeReal's main draw is its emphasis on unedited, real-time content. This can foster a more genuine connection among friends, moving away from the polished, often unrealistic portrayals common on other platforms.

Limited Engagement Window

The daily, time-bound posting prompt limits passive scrolling and endless content consumption, potentially leading to a healthier relationship with social media for some users.

Strategies for Safer BeReal Usage

To mitigate potential risks and ensure a safer experience on BeReal, users can implement several strategies:

  • Adjust Privacy Settings: Always review and customize your privacy settings. Opt for "Friends only" posting to ensure your content is only visible to people you know.
  • Disable Location Sharing: Turn off precise location sharing within the app's settings if you are uncomfortable with your exact whereabouts being visible.
  • Report Inappropriate Content: If you encounter any sexual or otherwise inappropriate content, utilize the app's reporting features immediately. Blocking users who share such content is also crucial.
  • Be Mindful of Your Audience: Remember who you are sharing with. Even among friends, consider the content you post and its potential implications.
  • Educate Young Users: For parents or guardians, it's vital to discuss online safety, privacy, and appropriate content with younger users. Resources like those from Common Sense Media can provide valuable guidance.

BeReal Safety Considerations at a Glance

To summarize the potential benefits and concerns, and how users can manage them:

Safety Concern Description User Action/Mitigation
Inappropriate Content High reported exposure to sexual content. Utilize in-app reporting tools, block users, and educate on appropriate content.
Privacy & Location Default location sharing and potential for public posts to reveal whereabouts. Disable precise location, ensure posts are "Friends only," and be cautious of public discovery settings.
Pressure to Perform Despite authenticity, some users may still feel compelled to curate moments. Focus on genuine sharing, remember the app's purpose, and disconnect if feeling overwhelmed.
Stranger Interaction While friend-focused, public posts could lead to unwanted attention. Keep posts private to friends; avoid features that make your profile or posts discoverable by non-friends.

In conclusion, BeReal is not inherently "bad," but like all social media platforms, it comes with potential risks, particularly concerning content exposure and privacy. By understanding these risks and actively managing privacy settings and interactions, users can have a safer experience.