How Real is BeReal?
The truth behind “authentic” social media.
by WAVERLY BRANNIGAN ★ OCTOBER 30, 2022
“Have you done the BeReal yet?” This is undoubtedly a question you’ve heard recently. The app BeReal was originally released in 2020 but didn’t start to attract users until early 2022 when it quickly gained momentum across college campuses. BeReal offers a unique social platform where people can interact at the same time once a day, sharing a single snapshot of their lives. While, in theory, this may promote the idea of authenticity, BeReal’s reality is becoming slightly hazy due to social media norms.
BeReal is marketed on the idea that it supports authentic content. The app’s slogan is “BeReal. Your friends for real,” and many people do see it as a way to combat the common “staging” of social media. Rather than choosing that one photo from a photoshoot of hundreds and then editing it to perfection, BeReal offers no editing or filters for photos. Further, the BeReal alert goes off at the same time for every user around the world, and posts can’t be deleted.
The catch is, if you want to see what your friends are up to, you have to post your BeReal first. This way, the app guarantees a mutual “I post, you post” mentality. Theoretically, these qualities of the app aim for a “real” experience, but this is easier said than done.
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It’s hard to imagine a true, realistic social media environment. Most people are too concerned with portraying the perfect image of themselves, regardless of what their lives really look like. While there is nothing inherently wrong with this, a level of toxicity can arise when social media focuses too much on perfection. This is exactly what BeReal attempts to eliminate, yet there are some critical flaws that still allow people to show only what they want others to see.
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Although the BeReal alert may go off, people may not see or will actively choose to ignore it, depending on what they’re doing at the time. This gives people the ability to find notable moments to post to BeReal, rather than the inside of a lecture hall with your math notes in the background.
Of course, having the BeReal go off while you’re at a concert or fancy dinner is preferable to being in class or laying in bed, but embracing who you are in the moment will allow you to build a much healthier relationship with social media. While you may be enticed to save your BeReal for something fun you have planned, consider posting when the notification pops up. This way, instead of forcing something content worthy, you can be genuine.
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A candid social media image sounds like a great idea but is hard to achieve. The reality is that your social media is something that is forever connected to you, and there’s no shame in wanting to showcase the best version of yourself. However, there is a fine line between presenting your best self to posting overedited, posed photos that dramatize your life. This can actually take away from your individuality, and trying to be someone you’re not can be harmful in the long run, even on an app like BeReal.
By glamorizing the small moments in your life in such a simple way, like posting them to BeReal, you may actually be forming healthier habits with your routine and social media image. Posting the moments you wouldn’t usually share might seem intimidating, but eventually, the comfort will grow. While a truly authentic social media image is challenging to obtain, BeReal is one way to start.
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Taking a step back and embracing a behind-the-scenes look at life can actually help you find meaning in the little things. Rather than turning BeReal into another trendy platform, keep in mind the message of authenticity it is attempting to showcase. Start by putting away your worries and embracing your candid self, and you might just be surprised when your self-esteem grows. So, have you done the BeReal yet?
Cover Photo Credit: Pinterest