During one session, a fourteen-year-old girl shared that she used to like one of her classmates. However, she explained that they never really had a conversation—only interactions through Snapchat.

When I asked her what kind of pictures they sent, she replied, “from the key of his house to the apple I ate”.
Yet, when they see each other in real life, they never speak. A after a long silence  she mentioned: “it is a little frustrating since I don’t know how to interpret this”

Are we losing the ability to truly have a real conversation?

Many  parents mentioned  their kids are spending hours on Snapchat, sending photos back and forth with barely a word—often just a selfie with no expression, or a ceiling, or a blurry corner of the room.

What’s going on?

This picture-only communication can feel strange to adults. But for many teens, it’s their way of “keeping streaks” or showing they’re available, interested, or part of the group—without actually saying anything.

Why most of the pictures are non eye contact?

Because looking straight at the lens can feel vulnerable—too direct, too exposed. It’s easier to stay behind filters, or avoid being really seen.

But here’s the catch:

This constant, silent exchange trains teens to:

• Avoid deeper conversations

• Rely on implied meanings (a streak, a heart emoji, a delay in reply)

• Struggle with reading between the lines or managing conflict face-to-face

It’s hard for a teenage brain—still learning emotional intelligence and nuance—to decode what’s not being said.

As parents, we don’t need to ban Snapchat, but we can delay its use or set clear limits—especially during early adolescence. Invite them to reflect, to think beyond the picture, because:

• It fosters passive communication habits

• It can increase social anxiety (waiting for a snap back = validation)

• It replaces real, messy, meaningful conversations. 

What they need most is connection—not just communication.