Is Lapse Safe For Kids? All You Need To Know
Are you looking for a fun and perfect photo-sharing alternative to Instagram for your kids? Meet Lapse Disposable Camera! This new platform ranked first in the App Store's photo and video category in 2023.
But before you introduce your children to it, you probably want to know - is Lapse safe? Don't worry! We've thoroughly tested Lapse, and we are here to share everything you need to know about the app. So, sit back, grab a cup of tea, and let's dive in!
What is Lapse and How Does It Work?
Lapse is inspired by traditional disposable film cameras - so you could think of it as a "new age disposable film camera."
Once you've taken a snap at Lapse, it will be automatically sent to a digital darkroom, where the photos will be developed with a vintage vibe. And you'll need to wait about 20 - 30 minutes (24 hours formerly) for the photo to develop, which mimics the waiting period of film development.
The Lapse app also blends elements from BeReal, Instagram, and Snapchat to let you have a unique photo-sharing experience. For example, it offers "Friends" and "Featured" feeds where you can share your snaps with your friends or anyone. But keep in mind that the Lapse team must first review photos before appearing in the Featured feed.
- Photos taken on Lapse often come out with a vintage look - just like the nostalgic look of an old disposable film camera.
- Photos are not available instantly on Lapse when taken.
- Lapse Journal, which is the equivalent of profile pages in most social media, can only be viewed by friends; it is not available to the public. This adds an extra layer of privacy for users. Unlike other social media platforms, Lapse journals (i.e., profiles) can be personalized so that you can add many photos and music to them for a more vibrant feel.
- Though Lapse uses the "friends" model instead of the "followers" model, you can still start a group chat, send messages directly to friends, or view public's moments
- Lapse has an instant message feature that allows users to view photos once before they disappear.
What Parents Need To Know About Lapse
After understanding the basic info of the Lapse Disposable Camera app, let's explore additional things that parents should care about. After all, Lapse has quickly become a household name among Gen Z (people aged 12 - 27).
Lapse Is Popular Among Gen Z
According to TechCrunch, 79% of Lapse users are under 24, primarily female. Apart from the fact that it allows users to take their photos in a novel yet vintage way, Lapse lets them react to photos with a variety of emojis and even add music to their profiles. These features contribute to the app's growing popularity among Gen Z, including your little ones.
Developing Photos Can be Addictive
Developing photos on Lapse can be highly addictive, especially for those kids who are drawn to retro experiences and nostalgia. Beyond the vintage feel of the photos, the suspense and anticipation of waiting for them to develop can make users keep coming back for more, hence leading to excessive time.
Disappearing Messages Increase Risks
While explicit photos are rarely found in the Lapse's Featured feed due to the thorough review done by the admin, they can still be shared between friends. Lapse's instant message feature enables users to send photos that disappear after being viewed.
Due to this, someone can share whatever they like, including erotic photos, with your kids. When you read this, you may be reminded of Snapchat. This makes it easier for untrustworthy friends to groom and exploit children without leaving a trace.
May Expose Child to Strangers and Predators
Even though Lapse originally reclaimed itself as a camera for friends instead of followers, it now focuses on social elements. An Apple users also complained about this, "I really dislike how my friends are shoved up to the top 'featured' style. It just kinda ruins the original appeal of the app."
So, if photos taken by your children appear on the "Featured" feeds, strangers can reach out to them through comments. This also increases the possibility of predators using this feature to add and communicate with your little ones.
Lacks of Age Verification
While signing up for Lapse, users must turn on the age toggle to agree they're 13 or older. However, the absence of an age verification process makes it very easy for audiences younger than 13 to access the app. This could be particularly dangerous, as younger users may be exposed to content or interactions unfit for their age.
So, Is Lapse Safe for Kids?
No. While Lapse is designed for users between ages 13 and above, it may not be entirely safe for young teens.
Firstly, it doesn't have robust features, such as age verification or parental controls, to keep young users safe. Moreover, children using this app can be exposed to potential interactions with predators, addictive behaviors, and explicit photos.
Thankfully, here are some tips you can use to protect your kids from Lapse's risks:
Use AirDroid Parental Control
AirDroid Parental Control makes up for the missing safety features of lapse and offers various functions to safeguard little kids from potential risks on Lapse and other social media apps. For instance:
✔️App Blocker & Time Limits: This can remotely block specific apps, including Lapse, on your child's phone. You can also set daily time limits for Lapse; this will prevent overuse and addiction to a great extent.
✔️Screen Mirroring: This helps you monitor your child's screen activity on Lapse to check if they are receiving inappropriate photos and capture evidence when they are hurt.
Have an Open Communication
It is best to educate your children about Lapse before they start using it. Let them know how it works and the potential dangers that are associated with it. This way, your kids will be encouraged to consider privacy before sharing photos on the app.
Final Remarks
In all, Lapse is not entirely safe for kids. The app can be used to share explicit photos, and its group chat and direct messaging features may expose kids to cyberbullying and predatory behavior. If your child uses Lapse, consider setting up parental control apps like AirDroid to monitor their activity. This way, you can be sleeping while they enjoy nostalgic, retro moments on the app.
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