As social media has evolved over the years, people can become unrecognizable because of filters, making it harder to know who is real and who is fake. BeReal, the social media app released in 2020, might be changing the catfish game for good.

According to Social Media Today, BeReal rose to 10 million daily active users since the last report in early 2021 claimed 10,000 people used the app. The BeReal website describes itself as “a new and unique way to discover who your friends really are in their daily life.” Every day, you receive a notification saying, “It’s time to BeReal” then, you have two minutes to take a picture. The app is being labeled as anti-Instagram because the focus is on showing your real, unedited life instead of a filtered and hand-selected Instagram post. A study done by The Modems revealed that 71% of selfie-takers edit photos of themselves. This is not a big revelation, as many models and influencers like the Kardashians have admitted to editing their photos. Still, it reminds us of the long-term negative effects filters may have.

Among those who have not downloaded the app is SHC junior Sydney Barter. “I just find it kind of creepy and invasive, how everyone can see what you’re doing and where you are,” said Barter. Although I agree with that statement, you do have control over who follows you and sees your pictures. When I explained the downsides of apps such as Instagram, Barter admits, “Yeah, I totally have brightened up my teeth or gotten rid of some acne in photos, but not because of hate comments, but because everyone else is doing it, so why can’t I?”

Instead, I think we should ask ourselves why everyone feels the need to edit our photos in the first place. No matter how good you may look online, no amount of makeup or expensive clothes can cover up your true self in person. In my opinion, I think you should save yourself some time and try keeping it real on all social media platforms.