Is Snapchat Really a Cheating App? What Research Shows

Few things spark as much suspicion in relationships as Snapchat. And let’s be real: the disappearing messages and vanishing notifications can seem suspicious. But is it all just hype, or is Snapchat really a “cheating app”?

Here’s what research has to say about Snapchat and cheating.

How Did Snapchat Become Known as a “Cheating App”?

When Snapchat was designed, it was built for “ephemeral communication,” meaning messages, photos, and videos sent through the app disappear. This sets Snapchat apart from other social media, where messages have to be removed manually.

Snapchat’s disappearing messages make it more convenient for people to get away with secretive behavior, which is why it’s known as the “cheating app.”

What the Research Actually Shows About Snapchat and Cheating

To date, no peer-reviewed scientific studies have found that Snapchat users are more likely to cheat. The research to determine the answer is still needed.

However, that doesn’t mean that the app is entirely innocent. A survey found that 23% of cheaters reported that Snapchat was their preferred app for infidelity. Other online surveys have found that people have used Snapchat to cheat or flirt outside of their relationship.

Research Has Found That Snapchat Can Affect Your Relationship

Even though science hasn’t found that Snapchat users are more likely to cheat, studies have found that the app can negatively impact your relationship. Here are some of the findings regarding how using this app can impact our relationships:

One study found that individuals who frequently monitor or worry about their partner’s Snapchat use tend to experience higher levels of jealousy.
The same study found that people tend to perceive their partners’ Snapchat use as a bigger threat than their communication on other social media platforms.
Another study found that Snapchat was a significant cause of jealousy and conflict in relationships.

Research has found that secrecy is one of the most significant predictors of perceived infidelity. When someone hides their communication, it’s easy to become untrusting, even if no cheating is actually happening. Over time, this can lead to resentment.

While Snapchat itself doesn’t cause secrecy, its features can make it a lot easier for people to be secretive about their communications.

How to Use Snapchat Without Destroying Your Relationship

It’s still possible to use Snapchat without it interfering with your relationship.

If you choose to use Snapchat, having honest discussions with your partner about the types of conversations you’re having can help prevent a lack of trust.

If your partner is the one using Snapchat, asking them to have this discussion with you is ideal. If they get defensive about how they’re using the app, it might be time to reevaluate the relationship.

The Bottom Line

The science doesn’t confirm if Snapchat is a cheating app, either way. But it does suggest that it can be a significant source of relationship insecurities and jealousy.

At the end of the day, if someone is going to cheat, they’ll find a way to do it with or without Snapchat. But the app’s features can make it easier for someone to hide their communications from their partner. If you suspect that your partner could be using Snapchat to cheat, it might be time to end the relationship.

Please feel free to share in the comments below. Do you believe Snapchat is a “cheating app”? Did your partner use it to have an affair? Have you found yourself using it to cheat?

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This post was previously published on medium.com.