When the app first arrived, it was praised widely for its authenticity. Now, it seems BeReal has followed other social medias in diluting its original message, for a more aesthetic centred approach – and the people using the app demonstrate this.
The week beginning February 6, BeReal announced celebrities and brands will be joining users on the app. I find it hard to question the need for this, beyond profit and downloaded increases. Whilst Instagram centres around this aestheticism – for better or for worse – this was never the goal of BeReal.
I find it hard to question the need for this, beyond profit and downloaded increases
But the writing was on the wall for a long time.
How many users can say they take a singular photo, upload and continue with their day? Or how many users plan a coordinated effort, delay posting til they have the interesting opportunity and retake their photos?
Maybe I’m just bitter the first week I had BeReal I had tonsillitis, so all my photos were me in bed, but BeReal never stuck for me. And now the introduction of verified accounts seems utterly contradictory for a platform meant to be about you and your friends.
The introduction of verified accounts seems utterly contradictory
The BeReal’s Chief Operating Officer Romain Salzman said: “you’re going to discover what the biggest celebrities are doing behind the scenes at the exact same time as you.” Again, I refuse to believe this will not be pure planned theatrics.
When we see celebrities pulling the ‘they’re just like us!’ act, I will not be here for it. And when they begin to pull out the most random acts to force any shred of attraction, I refuse to watch Twitter blow up in laughter. You’re not quirky because BeReal caught you on the toilet, Robbie Williams!
