The sound is unmistakable; a three-toned trill topped off with a low bell. Everyone in the room pulls out their phones, including yourself. Some rush to take pictures with their friends, others shove their phones away with a mumbled promise to do it later – and then two minutes later, it’s over.
BeReal is a well-known photo-sharing app that promises a different spin on social media. It functions in a manner unlike other social media apps in that there is no editing, no follower count, and no permanent posts. In fact, users cannot even choose when they post. Once per day, at a completely arbitrary time, BeReal sends out a notification stating that it’s time to log in. When the post is activated by the user, a countdown begins, and the user is allowed two minutes for a photo – simultaneously taken with the front and back camera, to display both the user and their location. This simple take on social media contrasts heavily with platforms like Instagram, where photos are often condemned for being too edited or preplanned.
Despite BeReal’s good intentions, there are still certain loopholes present in the app that can inhibit its mission. For example, there is no penalty for letting the counter reach zero, nor is there any effect caused by posting late. This function is likely for fairness, as BeReal can’t guarantee that everyone will be available during that one small window. However, it does create an opportunity to “save” your BeReals for later. By being able to post any time after the notification goes off, a user can wait to take their picture. They can choose to use it during a party or some other visually engaging situation in order to capture a more interesting activity. It’s not an uncommon occurrence either: In a survey posted to Woof Magazine’s Instagram, students were asked several questions about their experience with BeReal. Five out of six survey respondents reported they have found themselves ‘saving’ their BeReals before. This begs the question as to whether or not the app can ever create a realistic window into someone’s life.
Similarly, BeReal’s formula appears to be getting a little stale for long-time users. It’s meant to be as streamlined and content-focused as possible – a facet which, though true to their mission, causes the app to become less interesting for some. Four out of the six Northeastern students surveyed reported that while they use BeReal multiple times a week, they do not post every day. This number may fluctuate within the coming months, however, as BeReal is still pushing for college ambassadors to promote their product. Even at Northeastern, there have been attempts to spread the word. According to second-year student Grace Wilson, during the spring semester last year, “BeReal gave my friend’s sorority money if they all downloaded the app, so she told us about it. It was like a marketing thing to get a bunch of students to download it.” Even with short boosts like these, though, BeReal may be more of a passing fad if it does not create any updates.
There are, however, many upsides to BeReal. It is not a perfect system, but it does provide a less filtered way to see what people are up to. Many use it as just a method of keeping updated on long-distance friends, or even as a photo diary. Beyond its usefulness, it provides users with something to look forward to every day. While BeReal may just be a passing trend, it should also be noted that its goals were noble. It sends an important message to the ever-growing online world about staying in touch with yourself. Whether or not you use it, whether or not you’ve even heard of it, the sentiment remains the same: life is better when it’s real.