E-ISSN:2250-0758
P-ISSN:2394-6962

Research Article

International Journal of Engineering and Management Research

2025 Volume 15 Number 3 June
Publisherwww.vandanapublications.com

A Study on the Impact of Snapchat Usage Among Youth in Navi Mumbai: Trends, Influences, and Social Behaviour

Garje V1, Mhatre R2*, More N3
DOI:10.5281/zenodo.15767919

1 Vivek Garje, Department of Information Technology, Ramsheth Thakur College of Commerce & Science, Kharghar, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra, India.

2* Rajshree Mhatre, Department of Information Technology, Ramsheth Thakur College of Commerce & Science, Kharghar, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra, India.

3 Nilam More, Department of Information Technology, Ramsheth Thakur College of Commerce & Science, Kharghar, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra, India.

Snapchat, a leading platform in ephemeral messaging, has significantly transformed the digital habits of young people around the world. In urban areas like Navi Mumbai, it has evolved beyond being just another social media app—emerging as a powerful tool for self-expression, peer bonding, entertainment, and identity construction. This study explores how youth in Navi Mumbai engage with Snapchat and examines the broader social, psychological, and emotional implications of its use. Using a mixed-method approach through surveys and interviews, the research identifies motivations such as privacy concerns, the desire for authenticity, entertainment needs, and peer pressure. Furthermore, it explores the impact of Snapchat on self-image, social interactions, attention span, and emotional well-being. The research highlights key concerns, including digital dependency, reduced face-to-face communication, and the pursuit of online validation. Practical recommendations are offered for educators, parents, and policymakers to promote healthier, more balanced digital practices among youth.

Keywords: Snapchat, Youth Behaviour, Ephemeral Messaging, Social Influence, Navi Mumbai, Digital Communication, Privacy, Mental Health

Corresponding Author How to Cite this Article To Browse
Rajshree Mhatre, Department of Information Technology, Ramsheth Thakur College of Commerce & Science, Kharghar, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra, India.
Email: 		Garje V, Mhatre R, More N, A Study on the Impact of Snapchat Usage Among Youth in Navi Mumbai: Trends, Influences, and Social Behaviour. Int J Engg Mgmt Res. 2025;15(3):11-15.
Available From
https://ijemr.vandanapublications.com/index.php/j/article/view/1760

Manuscript Received Review Round 1 Review Round 2 Review Round 3 Accepted
2025-05-04 2025-05-23 2025-06-10
Conflict of Interest Funding Ethical Approval Plagiarism X-checker Note
None Nil Yes 4.93

© 2025 by Garje V, Mhatre R, More N and Published by Vandana Publications. This is an Open Access article licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ unported [CC BY 4.0].

Int J Engg Mgmt Res 2025;15(3)11
Download PDFBack To Article1. Introduction2. Rationale for the
Study3. Statement of the
Problem4. Scope and
Limitations of the
Study5. Review of
Literature6. Objectives of the
Study7. Research
Methodology8. Data
Interpretation and
Findings9. ConclusionReferences
Garje V., et al. A Study on the Impact of Snapchat

1. Introduction

In the 21st century, social media platforms have revolutionized human communication, particularly among youth. Traditional methods of building relationships and expressing identity have shifted towards online interactions characterized by immediacy and visual storytelling. Snapchat, with its core feature of ephemeral communication, stands out by encouraging spontaneity, creativity, and perceived privacy.

Navi Mumbai, one of India’s rapidly developing urban hubs, is home to a youthful, tech-savvy population. Here, Snapchat’s allure is particularly strong, blending entertainment with communication needs. However, while the platform fosters new forms of expression, it also raises critical concerns regarding digital addiction, reduced interpersonal skills, and increased social anxiety. Understanding these dynamics is essential in shaping healthier communication habits among youth.

Background

Snapchat, co-founded by Evan Spiegel, Bobby Murphy, and Reggie Brown in 2011, introduced a revolutionary concept in digital communication—temporary messaging. Unlike traditional social media platforms that emphasized permanent sharing, Snapchat allowed photos and videos to disappear shortly after being viewed, promoting more spontaneous and candid interactions. This fundamental shift in how users engaged with social media marked Snapchat as a major innovator in the tech landscape.

Over time, Snapchat expanded its features to enhance user engagement and creativity. Stories, introduced in 2013, let users share sequential photos and videos visible for 24 hours, a feature later widely copied by Instagram and Facebook. Bitmoji avatars personalized user interactions, while Snap Maps allowed real-time location sharing, connecting friends visually on a map. Spotlight, launched in 2020, introduced a TikTok-style feed of viral, user-generated videos, further broadening the app’s appeal.

Snapchat is particularly popular among youth aged 16–25, often referred to as digital natives. According to a 2023 Statista report, India accounts for over 200 million Snapchat users, with urban centers like Navi Mumbai showing especially high engagement levels.

The platform’s appeal lies in its ability to reduce "performance anxiety"—unlike Instagram or Facebook, users feel less pressure to post polished, perfect content. Instead, Snapchat encourages a more authentic, real-time form of self-expression.

However, along with these benefits come serious concerns. The platform’s addictive design—driven by features like Snap streaks—has raised issues about excessive screen time and digital dependency. The temporary nature of content can foster cyberbullying, risky behaviors like sexting, and privacy violations. Additionally, prolonged use has been linked to mental health challenges such as anxiety, depression, and Fear of Missing Out (FOMO), especially when users constantly compare themselves to the idealized lives portrayed by peers.

2. Rationale for the Study

Although many global studies have investigated Snapchat usage patterns, there is a dearth of localized research focusing on Indian semi-metro youth populations. This study is timely because:

  • Youth behaviour patterns in Navi Mumbai could differ significantly due to unique socio-economic, cultural, and educational factors.
  • The digital environment is evolving rapidly; real-time studies help track these changes effectively.
  • Understanding these patterns enables better support mechanisms from educators, parents, and policymakers.

3. Statement of the Problem

While global reports suggest that ephemeral messaging reduces social pressure, the localized social, emotional, and psychological impacts remain underexplored.
This study addresses questions such as:

  • What motivates Snapchat usage among Navi Mumbai youth?
  • How does Snapchat affect their offline relationships and emotional stability?
  • Are there significant differences in usage patterns across gender or education levels?
  • What risks exist, and what preventive measures are effective?

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Garje V., et al. A Study on the Impact of Snapchat

4. Scope and Limitations of the Study

Scope:

  • Focus on youth aged 16–25 years residing in Navi Mumbai.
  • Examination of Snapchat's impact on communication styles, mental health, and social behavior.

Limitations:

  • The sample size (120 respondents) may not fully represent the entire youth population.
  • Self-reported data may be prone to biases (social desirability bias).
  • The study focuses only on Snapchat and does not consider interactions with other platforms like Instagram or WhatsApp.

5. Review of Literature

Vaterlaus, Patten, Roche, and Young (2016)

Found that Snapchat promotes spontaneous, honest interactions. Users feel less pressure to curate idealized images.

Bayer, Ellison, Schoenebeck, and Falk (2016)

Discussed how Snapchat's ephemeral nature reduces stress about creating permanent content but increases compulsive checking behavior.

Piwek and Joinson (2016)

Suggested that privacy-focused platforms encourage deeper self-disclosure, enabling more intimate peer relationships.

Soffer and Cohen (2014)

Explored how visual media shifts the perception of emotions and communication, often leading to misinterpretations without verbal cues.

Miller et al. (2016)

Highlighted the rise of visual platforms and how they contribute to increased self-monitoring and social comparison among youth.

Additional Sources:

  • Montag et al. (2015): Discussed social media addiction and emotional dependence.

  • Alhabash and Ma (2017): Examined the interplay between user motivations and psychological outcomes across social media.
  • Livingstone and Helsper (2007): Analyzed the "bedroom culture" and private media use among youth.

6. Objectives of the Study

  • To investigate patterns and trends in Snapchat usage among Navi Mumbai youth.
  • To assess the influence of ephemeral messaging on social behavior and self-expression.
  • To explore emotional and psychological consequences of Snapchat use.
  • To identify gender and age-based variations in usage patterns.
  • To propose guidelines for promoting healthier digital habits.

7. Research Methodology

Research Design:

  • Mixed-method: Quantitative (survey) and qualitative (semi-structured interviews).

Sampling:

  • Stratified random sampling of 120 college-going youth (age group 16–25).
  • Demographically balanced across gender, education streams, and residential backgrounds.

Data Collection Tools:

  • Survey: 30-item structured online questionnaire via Google Forms.
  • Interviews: 15 semi-structured interviews focusing on user experiences, emotional impacts, and perceived benefits/drawbacks.

Data Analysis:

  • Quantitative: Descriptive and inferential statistics (SPSS).
  • Qualitative: Thematic coding and content analysis.

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Garje V., et al. A Study on the Impact of Snapchat

8. Data Interpretation and Findings

Table 1: Purpose of Using Snapchat

PurposeRespondents (%)
Staying connected with friends45%
Entertainment (filters, AR)30%
Sharing real-time moments15%
Privacy-focused communication10%

Interpretation: Friendship maintenance and entertainment dominate usage motivations.

Table 2: Negative Effects Experienced

Negative EffectRespondents (%)
Reduced attention span40%
Social comparison and anxiety30%
Fear of Missing Out (FOMO)20%
No significant negative effects10%

Interpretation: Digital distractions and anxiety issues are major concerns, warranting interventions.

Discussion of Findings

  • Peer Influence: Most respondents indicated peer groups strongly influence their Snapchat habits.
  • Emotional Impact: Frequent users reported higher instances of anxiety, especially regarding missing out on social events.
  • Self-Image: Participants acknowledged the platform fosters both positive (creativity) and negative (validation-seeking) behaviors.
  • Gender Variations: Female users were more likely to report social comparison anxiety, while male users reported entertainment as their primary usage driver.

Suggestions and Recommendations

Promoting Digital Balance

  • Organize workshops to educate youth on time management and digital detox practices.
  • Introduce "screen-free" weekends at colleges.

Enhancing Real-Life Interactions

  • Create student clubs encouraging in-person social events to revive interpersonal skills.

Fostering Digital Literacy

  • Seminars on online privacy, cyberbullying prevention, and responsible content sharing.

Parental and Educational Initiatives

  • Parent-student-teacher alliances to promote a supportive and supervised online environment.

Encouraging Creative, Purposeful Usage

  • Promote the use of Snapchat for educational, creative, and entrepreneurial activities (e.g., content creation, art sharing).

Implications for Future Research

  • Future studies can explore longitudinal impacts of Snapchat use over several years.
  • Comparative studies can be conducted across different Indian cities to identify regional behavioral variations.
  • Exploration of Snapchat’s influence on professional communication skills in later stages of life.

9. Conclusion

Snapchat is deeply intertwined with the youth culture of Navi Mumbai, mirroring their desires for connection, privacy, and creativity. Although the platform fosters instant communication and self-expression, it also poses risks of digital dependency, distraction, and emotional turbulence.

A balanced approach emphasizing digital literacy, emotional resilience, and interpersonal communication skills is critical for helping young users derive maximum benefits while minimizing negative outcomes.

References

[1] Bayer, J. B., Ellison, N. B., Schoenebeck, S. Y., & Falk, E. B. (2016). Sharing the small moments: Ephemeral social interaction on Snapchat. Information, Communication & Society, 19(7), 956–977.

[2] Vaterlaus, J. M., Patten, E. V., Roche, C., & Young, J. A. (2016). Snapchat is more personal: An exploratory study on Snapchat behaviours and young adult interpersonal relationships. Computers in Human Behavior, 62, 594–601.

[3] Piwek, L., & Joinson, A. (2016). What do they Snapchat about? Patterns of use among young adults. Computers in Human Behavior, 54, 358-367.

[4] Soffer, O., & Cohen, A. A. (2014). Privacy in social media: Facebook's policy changes, 2005–2011. New Media & Society, 16(4), 487-505.


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Garje V., et al. A Study on the Impact of Snapchat

[5] Miller, V., et al. (2016). Visual social media and its impact on identity and self-perception among youth. Media, Culture & Society, 38(5), 706-721.

[6] Montag, C., et al. (2015). Internet communication disorder and the structure of social media use: Results from a study on German Facebook users. Addictive Behaviors Reports, 1, 118-123.

[7] Alhabash, S., & Ma, M. (2017). A tale of four platforms: Motivations and uses of Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Snapchat among college students?. Social Media + Society, 3(1), 1-13.

[8] Livingstone, S., & Helsper, E. J. (2007). Gradations in digital inclusion: Children, young people and the digital divide. New Media & Society, 9(4), 671–696.

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