the
highlander
Vol. 32, No. 6
June 7, 2013
Homestead High School, Mequon
SN PCH T By Katie Writz
When Snapchat released its photo-sharing app in September of 2011, teens thought they were in for a treat. Most, however, don’t realize the trick behind what they think are quick photos and messages once thought to “disappear” in seconds. Snapchat, a social media fad that has users uploading over 150 million Snaps a day, sends pictures and videos with text and drawings, appearing on the receiver’s phone f o r 10 seconds or less. Once the Snapchat vanishes from the receiver’s screen, most Snapchatters believe it is gone forever. This is false. According to digital forensics examiner Mr. Richard Hickman, “Pictures can be retrieved, t r a n s f e r re d and saved -if you know where to look.” “The actual app is even saving the picture,” Hickman said in a May 10 article in the Huffington Post where he demonstrates via video how to retrieve photos from Android devices. While tracking down the photos does require special software, it can be done if necessary. In December of 2012, BuzzFeed announced that Snapchat videos can be easily accessed using a free iPhone file browser. Advanced software aside, crafty users are also taking screenshots and saving photos for posting elsewhere, such as on other social media forums like Facebook or Twitter. Although it can be difficult to take a screenshot from a device in 10 seconds, users have discovered creative ways of getting around this. Officer Lance Wegner, district police liaison, said re-
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What’s Inside
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Phantom photos can haunt students
ceivers can also use a different device, such uploaded it to a public forum. as a phone, camera or iPod, to take a picture Snapchat photos can lead of the Snapchat. This increases the chances to many negative effects if the of the Snapchat appearing outside of the wrong people get their hands app itself. on an image, according to Mr. This is where Snapchat leaves room for Woessner. For example, this abuse, according to Mr. William Woessener, could affect college acceptance school psychologist. If used appropriately, or potential job opportunities. Snapchat can be harmless fun; however, Besides the embarrassment, if because of the tricky false sense of “disap- the recipient presses charges, the pearing it creates,” it has caused problems sender can receive a ticket for sexwith bullying and sexting. ual assault, or worse, depending on Officer Wegner said there have been the severity of the situation. two complaints from the middle schools To avoid getting into of male students sexting images to female trouble with Snapchat, students. While police cannot access the some parents do not original Snapchat photo without advanced allow their children to software, they can, after a complaint is filed, have a Snapchat, such subpeona phone records to prove interac- as Mrs. Deanna Lee, tion between the two devices. This concrete a Mequon mother of phone record does not show the Snapchat- three. ted photo, but it does prove the sender’s According to Mrs. device communicated a picture message Lee, Snapchat has no to the victim which can prevent the sender valuable purpose. from denying the victim’s claims of receiv- She has heard of ing communication from the sender’s de- several examples of vice. children using it inAlong with opening up avenues for sex- appropriately ting, Snapchat’s platform has paved the and believes road for bullying and threats as well. Offi- that it provides cer Wegner said, “I have had to deal with another device many teenagers, especially in the middle for emotional school using Snapchat to bully because they anxiety. think it leaves no proof.” When used Some of the specific issues Officer We- a p p r o p r i a t e l y, gner has dealt with in Mequon include Snapchat can be pictures with threatening messages saying a fun and harmless things like, “I hate you” or “You’re dead to activity among friends. Haley me.” Wittchow, junior, enjoys SnapTeens have also posted inappropriate chatting with friends. “It’s a nice or potentially embarrassing Snapchatted way to give them a visual explapictures to Facebook and Instagram. Mr. nation of what is going on, inWoessner said, “This is not just embarrass- stead of through a message over ing for the person who sent it, but it is also text,” she said. very damaging to his or her reputation.” There are a few foolproof Emily Eckhardt, sophomore, has en- ways to prevent unwanted piccountered situations where pictures she tures from getting on the Interdid not particularly want shared outside of net forever. The easiest way is Snapchat ended up on Facebook because by not taking the picture; howthe receiver took a screenshot and then ever, if students do choose to use Snapchat, they should always be smart about every picture they Scan the QR code or send. visit goo.gl/qv2cy to Mr. Woessner said that students see the Huffington should ask themselves, “Is one Post video: “Snappicture worth the consequences chat photos don’t you will need to face for the rest actually delete.” of your life?”
Photo illustrations by Samantha Hansen
AP caucus projects
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Summer Pinterest boards
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Eat this, don’t eat that
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Athletes of the issue
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