BeReal has recently climbed the social media app charts. (CNN)
BeReal is a social media app that has grown popular among Gen Z social media users for its authenticity. Although the app was released in 2019, 65% of its downloads occurred in 2022, and its active users have grown by 315%. It sits near the apex of the Top Free Apps list on the App Store, close to both TikTok and Instagram. Could this app be the start of a more authentic social media age?
One reviewer praises the app, saying “This app breaks barriers…You start realizing that these posts from other users and friends including your own are very different from what is usually seen on other social media apps. You can’t post something planned; it’s random, and it’s real. It gives you a real glimpse into people’s lives. Definitely worth giving it a shot.”
So how does the app work, and how does it promote authenticity? When someone signs up for BeReal, they receive a notification during the day at an unpredicted time. Once they receive this notification, they have two minutes to take a picture of what they are doing. This gives the user no time to change their surroundings or their appearance, making for a more genuine photo. These photos are called “BeReal”s.
The unique aspect about them is that the photo is taken with the back and front cameras. This is to reveal more about the user’s surroundings and experiences. The photos are then shared with friends using the app. However, if you do not post on time, you cannot see your friends’ posts. Additionally, if you post after the two-minute period, your post is labeled as “late.” In contrast to likes on other social media platforms, BeReal uses “realmojis,” a picture of yourself reacting to a post as an emoji.
In recent years, there has been more focus on the negative effects of using social media, especially among young people. Some experts believe that social media “is less emotionally fulfilling than connecting in-person,” and can make teenagers feel isolated. Additionally, there is pressure to present the “best” version of yourself on social media, causing some to obsess over their pictures. In turn, these perfect pictures can cause self-esteem issues and warp users’ sense of reality.
There have been some trends such as the #NoMakeup movement that have tried to combat these issues. The trend, which grew in popularity around the 2010s, consisted of social media users posting pictures of themselves without any makeup. This would supposedly encourage others to embrace their natural beauty. However, most of these photos were posed, and some deceptively still wore makeup in them or used filters.
Another recent trend aimed at breaking down social media barriers is the “make Instagram casual again” trend. In this trend, people will post more candid photos instead of perfectly posed photos. However, like the #NoMakeup trend, this movement generally fails to accomplish its goal as the posted photos are selected with intention.
Could BeReal be the solution to these problems? It seems to address many of the aspects of social media that cause people anxiety. Still, there are negative aspects to the app such as the late alert. These characteristics may foster an uncomfortable platform and make users feel pressured to consistently post.
As the app grows in popularity, it will be interesting to see if it adopts some of the features of other dominant apps. So far, though, BeReal is lauded as an app that encourages people to be themselves, showcase their everyday life, and connect with friends.
