A VSCO Primer for Parents

A potential alternative to the usual social media suspects

From the collection of teens and tweens I now text with when researching topics for this newsletter, I recently learned about an app called VSCO.

At first I groaned out loud because OMG there are already too many social media apps and the thought of learning another one did not make me excited. But VSCO is a good one to know about— not because it will bring you new reasons to panic— but because it may very well be a better alternative to regular social media. And at least some of the teens I text with are really craving that.

While not all of my teens use VSCO, the ones who do generally like it because there are no likes or comments. One teen shared,

“I definitely feel like posting on Instagram is so much pressure because of the likes and comments. People care so much about who liked their photo or who commented. I like how VSCO is kinda just posting for yourself without the validation.”

What I’m trying to say is, I think there’s hope!

Today I cover the basics on VSCO. Paid subscribers can read on to see exactly what the teens said. Let’s jump right in!

What it is

VSCO defines itself as a photo-editing app that offers a range of filters, presets, and editing tools. Once you upload your photos, you can enhance and share them with friends.

So…is it Social Media?

Technically no but it does have social features. I would call it a photo app with social media capabilities.

• Its layout is pretty similar to Instagram, there’s a Feed and a Discover section.

• The VSCO Feed allows user to see updates from others you follow.

• It’s Discover allows you to browse content you might find interesting.

• The VSCO social network allows users to share their photos with friends and follow other users.

• There is also a Spaces section where users can connect and collaborate with others.

• And finally, like other social media you have to be 13 to use it.

Settings

Account Settings: Accounts are public and there is no way to set an account to private. But, in Settings you can update preferences so that you only see messages from people you follow.

Location Tagging: VSCO is set to share your location when you post by default. This can be changed very quickly by going to Settings > Privacy > then toggling all the options to “off”

Commenting: Account Owners can control who can comment on their posts and share their content.

Parental Controls: There are no specific parental controls

So… is it dangerous?

Not really. As with any surface where a kid can send a message to another kid, its possible for bad behavior to happen but no more than if they were texting.

Its network is generally considered to be much safer and more private than other social platforms like Instagram or Snapchat. But of course its still possible for teenagers to encounter inappropriate content or engage in risky behaviors like flirting with strangers or sharing personal information. Or straight up bad behaviors like cyberbullying.

What Parents can do

As with any app or platform, the most important thing for parents is talk to your kid. Talk about what apps they're using, how they're using them, and any concerns you may have.

If your kid uses VSCO, go check it out. Have your kid share some of what they edit or store in the app. It could be an opportunity to bond!

In the case of VSCO you might even consider encouraging it (unless thats going to backfire because…teens) especially if your teens have expressed frustration with the pressure around likes and comments inherent in other social media apps.

My $0.02

For teens or adults interested in photography and/or photo editing, its a great place for inspiration and for practicing photo editing skills.

For teens looking for less social media pressure, it seems to be a great alternative that still allows them to be connected and sharing.

The teens I spoke to that didn’t really use it thought of it as solely a photo editing app. FWIW I don’t think they understand it could function as a no pressure social media experience.

Paid subscribers read on to hear more about what my collection of teens had to say about VSCO.