If you’ve logged on to Snapchat today, you may have seen a filter that looks a lot like another app. Dubbed as an April Fools prank, Snapchat is at it again, throwing a lot of shade towards Facebook. The filter is designed to look like a russian bot is liking your picture. At first glance, it seems that the text in the filter is Russian, but if you look a bit closer you can read that “your mom” and “a bot” have liked your photo!
While this may seem like an innocent April Fools joke, it’s a smart move from Snapchat. They’re having some fun, while maximizing on the mistakes of their rival. Anyone who cares enough to find out what the temporary filter is all about will be reminded of the recent panic and controversy that is depleting the popularity and value of Facebook. The play on Russian lettering reminds users of the scandal that has come to light about the exploitation of Facebook’s platform by thousands of Russian bots to influence the recent U.S. presidential election. In the midst of all this, Facebook is struggling to come out of all the security concerns which is causing some serious trust issues. No big deal though, the stock has only lost about a hundred billion dollars and their status as one of the top five companies. Thanks for reminding us, Snapchat!
But wait, there’s more. Snapchat is becoming a seasoned professional in taking swings at their biggest competitors. Last year, on April Fools day, Snapchat created a filter which poked fun at Instagram. Seems like they enjoy the “your mom” jokes! Keep it coming, we’re ready to use your filters.
Photo by Chris Welch / The Verge
References
Bloomberg. (2018, March 30). Facebook may have breached a 2011 consent agreement, FTC says. Retrieved from http://fortune.com/2018/03/29/cambridge-analytica-facebook-scandal/
Farooqui, A. (2018, April 1). Snapchat takes a swing at facebook with russian bot filter. Retrieved from http://www.ubergizmo.com/2018/04/snapchat-facebook-russian-bot-filter/
Gartenberg, C. (2017, April 1). April fools’ day 2017: The best (and worst) pranks. Retrieved from https://www.theverge.com/tldr/2017/3/31/15139934/april-fools-day-2017-pranks-jokes-best-worst
Morris, D. Z. (2018, April 1). Snapchat’s april fools’ gag pokes fun at facebook’s russian bot problem. Retrieved from http://fortune.com/2018/04/01/snapchat-april-fools-facebook-russian-bots/
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