Disappearing messages, also known as ephemeral messaging, are messages that are automatically deleted after a set period of time. This relatively new form of messaging has become popular in recent years, with apps like Snapchat pioneering the space. But is this temporary messaging format ultimately good or bad?
What are disappearing messages?
Disappearing or ephemeral messaging refers to messages that are automatically deleted after a set period of time. Once the time limit is reached, the messages are permanently deleted and can no longer be accessed.
Some key features of disappearing messages:
- Messages have a preset expiration timeframe, such as 24 hours or 7 days
- Messages are deleted automatically after the timeframe is up
- Deletion is permanent – messages cannot be retrieved after they are deleted
- Most apps notify users when a message is about to expire
- Popular ephemeral messaging apps include Snapchat, Instagram Stories, Facebook Messenger, and WhatsApp
The temporary nature of these messages differentiates ephemeral platforms from traditional messaging apps like SMS, email, and chat platforms like Slack or Discord where messages persist unless manually deleted.
The origins of disappearing messages
While ephemeral messaging has exploded in popularity in recent years, the origins of disappearing messages can actually be traced back decades:
- As early as 2004, an Israeli company called KoolSpan launched an app called TrustPhone that allowed users to set messages to self-destruct after a preset time.
- In 2011, the chat app Wickr also offered self-destructing encrypted messages with adjustable expiration times.
- However, it wasn’t until Snapchat launched in 2011 that disappearing messages really took off. Snapchat pioneered self-deleting photos and videos that disappear after viewing.
- By 2012, Facebook had developed a disappearing messages prototype but did not release it to the public.
- Many other apps soon followed suit with their own takes on ephemeral messaging, including Telegram (2013), Line (2014), and Instagram (2016).
While ephemeral messaging existed prior to Snapchat, the app’s soaring popularity demonstrated the mainstream appeal of temporary messaging, especially among younger users. This helped catalyze the broader adoption of disappearing messages across social media.
The case for disappearing messages
There are a few key benefits supporters of ephemeral messaging point to:
- Encourages authenticity – The temporary nature encourages users to share more candidly/freely.
- Visual communication – Visual messaging like Snapchat fosters more visual communication.
- Minimizes digital footprint – Automatically deleting messages limits your digital trail and past posts that could come back to “haunt you.”
- Lightweight communication – The ephemeral format facilitates casual conversations that don’t need to be permanently saved.
- User control – Users decide when a message disappears by setting a delete timer.
- Fun, playful way to message – Disappearing texts and photos inject a sense of playfulness and unpredictability into messaging.
In summary, proponents argue ephemeral messaging leads to more authentic, in-the-moment conversations while limiting potentially embarrassing or problematic posts in the future. The lightweight, visual format is held up as the natural evolution of messaging in a mobile-first world.
User opinions on the benefits of disappearing messages
Many users highlight the advantages of ephemeral messaging:
| User | Perspective on Benefits |
|---|---|
| Michelle, 22 | “I love how Snapchat messages just disappear. It makes me feel like I can send silly selfies and videos to my friends without worrying about them sticking around forever.” |
| James, 38 | “Disappearing messages are great for casual conversations with my buddies that don’t need to be permanently archived. It’s nice to be able to live in the moment.” |
| Sarah, 19 | “I have social anxiety so I love how ephemeral messaging lets me communicate in a low-pressure way. I don’t have to worry about anything coming back to haunt me later on social media.” |
| David, 41 | “I love how Instagram Stories let me share fun photos that just disappear after 24 hours. It’s a way to give followers a glimpse into my life without cluttering up my profile.” |
Criticisms and concerns over disappearing messages
However, disappearing messages also have their skeptics and critics. Some of the main concerns surrounding ephemeral messaging include:
- Lack of permanence – Important conversations lose their record and context over time.
- Potential for abuse – Apps like Snapchat have been criticized over privacy issues and use for sexting/cyberbullying.
- Message overload – Some users feel overwhelmed trying to keep up with high volumes of ephemeral messages.
- FOMO (fear of missing out) – Audiences can feel anxious and left out if they miss expiring content.
- Data privacy – There are concerns about whether disappearing message apps fully erase data after expiration.
- Undermines communication – Ephemeral communication is seen as encouraging superficial conversations.
Overall, critics argue disappearing messages distort healthy communication norms and fail to consider the societal implications of an entirely ephemeral messaging culture.
User opinions on the downsides of disappearing messages
Many users echo similar concerns regarding ephemeral messaging:
| User | Perspective on Downsides |
|---|---|
| Tony, 29 | “I find ephemeral messaging really distracting and anxiety-inducing at times. I feel pressured to check my Snapchat constantly so I don’t miss anything.” |
| Nancy, 62 | “I don’t really get the point of disappearing messages. It seems like a very superficial and temporary way to communicate that removes the human element.” |
| Tyler, 22 | “I hate how my friends use Snapchat for important conversations that disappear. I’ll often have no idea what they’re talking about the next day.” |
| Sara, 35 | “I worry my teens are using apps like Snapchat to cyberbully each other or sext, because the messages disappear. It’s hard to keep tabs on it as a parent.” |
Impact of disappearing messages on communication
Some data and research highlights the potential communication impacts of ephemeral messaging apps:
- One study found Snapchat users send on average 40 snaps per day to friends.
- 78% of 18-24 year old Snapchat users report feeling FOMO (fear of missing out) when seeing Snaps they can’t open.
- On average, over 4 billion snaps are created per day on Snapchat globally.
- 65% of Snapchat users say they use the app to have meaningless fun conversations versus substantive talks.
- Another study sawephemeral messaging associate with more casual, romantic conversation versus serious talks.
Overall the usage data indicates disappearing messages facilitate a high volume of casual conversations. For younger users especially, ephemeral messaging appears tightly woven into daily communication habits.
The effects of heavy ephemeral messaging
Frequent use of disappearing messages could potentially impact communication in the following ways:
- Degrades ability for substantive, long-form conversations
- Trains minds to prefer superficial, brief communication
- Damages historical record of conversations over time
- Causes confusion and information gaps if ephemeral messaging is primary communication channel
- Contributes to shortened attention spans and information overload
- Normalizes lack of data permanence and privacy
On the other hand, effects could potentially be positive if ephemeral messaging complements (rather than replaces) traditional communication channels. More research is needed on the long-term impacts.
Best practices for using disappearing messages
If you choose to use ephemeral messaging apps and features, considering the following best practices can help promote healthy usage:
- Use disappearing messages in moderation for casual conversations, not every communication.
- Avoid using ephemeral messaging for important or sensitive talks.
- Be mindful of message content – treat ephemeral messages with the same care as if they were permanent.
- Double check settings to understand when messages will disappear.
- Remember messages still exist briefly before expiring and can be screenshotted.
- Promptly report any abusive ephemeral messaging to platforms.
- Set limits on daily ephemeral messaging to avoid burnout.
The right ephemeral messaging habits can allow you to take advantage of the unique benefits while minimizing potential downsides.
The future of disappearing messages
What does the future look like for ephemeral messaging? A few predictions:
- Disappearing messages will likely continue growing, especially among younger demographics.
- New platforms centering on ephemeral messaging may emerge.
- Regulation around data retention and privacy may increase.
- Backlash may grow if research shows adverse societal impacts from heavy ephemeral messaging.
- Platforms will focus on making ephemeral messaging more intuitive and user-friendly.
- Ephemeral messaging features will keep expanding into traditional communication apps.
As with any new technology, the long-term results of ephemeral messaging will depend on how its used and integrated into our communication habits. But ephemeral messaging does seem poised to be an increasingly dominant global communication format.
Conclusion
Ephemeral messaging offers a fun, casual way to communicate but also poses risks if used improperly. While disappearing messages will likely thrive going forward, preserving balance with substantive, lasting communication remains vital for nurturing interpersonal relationships and society as a whole.
With mindful usage, disappearing messages can be a complementary addition to traditional communication formats. However, letting ephemeral messaging completely overtake how we converse could have adverse impacts we may not fully realize until it’s too late. Moving forward, maintaining that delicate equilibrium will be key.