Snapchat Strippers

Nick Bilton wrote a successful column "Strippers Go Undercover on Snapchat" in the New York Times last week. By successful, the column makes you think differently – it gives a new perspective on technology and the porn industry.

The article's title is basically its thesis. Bilton talks about how strippers use social media to connect with clients in ways not possible before the smartphone, and smartphone apps now have built-in pay features, lending themselves to the business of sex.

Contrary to what the article may suggest, however, Snapchat maintains a pretty good image. When describing how Snapchat works – users taking photos, sending them, and then they're automatically deleted – it seems the app would have the reputation of, say, "Omegle" or "Chat Roulette," but this hasn't happened.

Snapchat has maintained a good brand. Focusing on messaging and news, they actually banned sexual snapping. Here's their complete community guidelines:

What not to Snap:
-Pornography
-Nudity or sexually suggestive content involving minors (people under the age of 18)
-Minors engaged in activities that are physically dangerous and harmful
-Invasions of privacy
-Threats
-Harassment or Bullying
-Impersonation
-Self-Harm

When Snapchat first hit the app store in 2012 and was popularized in 2013 and 2014, people associated it with sex, and in the early days, it probably was more of a Sexchat than a Snapchat. I remember colleagues at work scoffing when I described the app."Hmm, wonder why anyone would want that?" they said, shaking their heads. 

Really, just for chatting.