What is BeReal?

BeReal is a social media app that encourages authenticity and spontaneity. Launched in 2020, it offers a unique twist: users receive a daily notification at a random time to take and share a photo—using both the front and back cameras—within a two-minute window. Unlike platforms that emphasize polished content, BeReal promotes unfiltered glimpses of everyday life, making it especially popular among teenagers and young adults.

While BeReal fosters a more genuine approach to social media, parents should be aware of its features and potential risks.

Key Features Parents Should Understand

1. Dual Camera Posting

  • BeReal’s signature feature uses the front and back cameras simultaneously, showing the user and their surroundings. Photos can only be posted within the two-minute notification window or later with a "late" label, reinforcing its candid approach.

2. Friends-Only or Public Sharing

  • Users can choose to share their posts with friends only or publicly on the app’s "Discovery" page. Public sharing increases the potential for exposure to strangers.

3. Limited Interaction

  • There are no traditional "likes," but friends can react to posts using custom selfies called "RealMojis." While less focused on popularity metrics, interactions still allow for feedback that could affect self-esteem.

4. Photo Archive

  • Users can view their past BeReal posts in a private archive. While these are not publicly accessible, the potential for personal reflection or unintended misuse exists.

Potential Dangers for Parents to Be Aware Of

1. Location Sharing

  • BeReal includes location data with posts by default, potentially exposing sensitive information if not disabled. This poses safety concerns, especially if shared publicly.

2. Pressure to Post

  • The app’s emphasis on posting within a strict time frame can create social pressure, prompting users to share content even in situations where privacy or safety could be compromised.

3. Exposure to Strangers

  • If public sharing is enabled, posts can reach unknown individuals on the Discovery page, increasing the risk of inappropriate interactions.

4. Cyberbullying

  • While BeReal minimizes vanity metrics, RealMojis or comments can still be misused for harassment.

Practical Parental Guidance

1. Discuss Boundaries

  • Talk with your child about the importance of privacy and encourage them to share posts only with friends they know personally.

2. Disable Location Sharing

  • Help your child turn off location tagging in the app’s settings to protect their privacy.

3. Review Privacy Settings

  • Ensure their profile is set to friends-only to avoid unwanted exposure to strangers.

4. Teach Digital Literacy

  • Encourage your child to think critically about what they share, even on apps that promote authenticity. Explain the risks of oversharing and how to report inappropriate behavior.

5. Model Healthy Social Media Use

  • Demonstrate balanced engagement with social media and encourage offline activities to reduce over-reliance on any app.

Conclusion

BeReal offers a refreshing take on social media, encouraging genuine moments over curated content. However, like any platform, it comes with risks that require parental awareness and involvement. By setting boundaries and fostering open communication, parents can ensure their child enjoys BeReal safely and responsibly. Stay informed and proactive to support your child’s journey through the ever-changing world of social media.

BeReal 101