Are Snapchats really self-destructible?

Self-destructing photos might be just as easily revived.

Calling, texting, face-timing, emailing, instant messaging and Skyping are different ways to indirectly communicate with one another, and now there is a new system to add to the list – Snapchat. This is the latest application on all smart phones that is free of charge to download.

A Snapchat is used to send a picture to someone via smart phone which can be viewed for no longer than 10 seconds. After 10 seconds, the photo is unable to be viewed by the recipient. It’s one of the latest app crazes that has college students seemingly everywhere stuck on their phones.

“I always see people take weird-faced pictures of themselves, it’s not until I notice their screen that I can tell that it is a Snapchat,” Saline freshman Trevor Carey said. ”I honestly think I am the only person who has yet to become obsessed with this app.”

Because Snapchats are thought to delete after 10 seconds or less, some have been using this application in order to text “sexty” photos. This is why the issue of whether or not these photos truly disappear has been given so much attention. According to CNET,  the photos do not truly disappear and can still be found when looking at the phone’s local storage.

Additionally, Snapchat founder Evan Spiegel has said the app is not solely for the purposes of protecting private conversations.

“The people who most enjoy using Snapchat are those who embrace the spirit and intent of the service. There will always be ways to reverse engineer technology products, but that spoils the fun,” Spiegel said, according to CNET.

Even if users do not have the intent of sexting, the app has some wondering how secure can they feel with the idea of their photos floating around. Petoskey freshman Alli Self doesn’t feel the need to worry.

“I feel safe with my pictures, because I don’t send ‘bad’ snaps. I am not ashamed of the pictures I send, but I can see how it can be abused and why it would be problematic for people,” Self said.

While this new application has brought up some concerns, freshman Kimberly Johnson finds the app a useful communication tool.

“Snapchat gives me the chance to keep in touch with my friends, even if it is a quick picture,” the Saginaw native said. “It is helpful to see my friends at home.”