Like many Gen-Z kids, I’ve experienced the triumphs and defeats, the epic highs and lows of keeping dozens of Snapchat streaks. I’ve felt the heartbreak of losing a 985-day streak and the mind numbing annoyance of opening black screen after black screen with the occasional hastily scribbled “S” or maybe even an apathetic “gm.” Although Snapchat streaks started out as a fun way to keep in touch with people and “prove” your friendship to them, it is time that we moved on. 

If you’re at the point where you have to set reminders to send your streaks or you’ve ever worried about going somewhere without wifi because you might lose your streaks, things have gone too far. If seeing an hourglass next to your streak has ever raised your heart rate, it is time for a change. If you have a streak with someone you haven’t had a real conversation with in months, the streak has reached its natural end. There is no amount of stress worth maintaining a tiny number next to your friend’s name. It may seem trivial, but it is still a source of pressure, and there is no point in keeping any form of unnecessary stress in your life. You might not even realize the magnitude of the weight that will be lifted off your shoulders until your streaks are gone. Instead, spend your time focusing on your mental health and taking care of yourself. 

It is easy to see why many people might have difficulty parting with their streaks. They are a part of our childhood, especially if the number is significantly high. We’ve all seen and perhaps felt the pride of posting on your story that your streak has reached 100 days. I’ve had friends who put in an impressive amount of effort to maintain them, including but not limited to sending Snapchat an email to request that their lost streak be reinstated. For some people, ending a streak is on par with ending a friendship. It may even be considered rude to tell someone that you want to end your streak with them. 

In the end, no friendship should be based on how long your streaks are. They should be about the memories you’ve made and the times you’ve spent together, not a superficial record of how many days you’ve sent a Snapchat back and forth. In the name of true friendship, it’s time that we make Snapchat streaks a thing of the past.

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