Based on a number of studies, it has been determined that the self-destructing messages feature on most technology apps poses predictably negative consequences for users. What several of these studies have done is to trace back the effects of this feature to its roots. In doing so, they have discovered that these consequences originate from fear-based feelings obtained from various past events and emotions that many children typically experience as well as lack of comfortability with technology.

The reason why this feature is so dangerous is because it introduces a whole new dimension into communication with others: irreversible damage. This can result in a variety of psychological problems, including anxiety, withdrawal symptoms, and even negativism towards new technologies in general.

The Psychological Impact Of Self-Destructing Messages

One study was conducted in order to analyze the consequences of the self-destructing message feature. In this experiment, a number of participants were asked to send a private note message to another individual, who then had to destroy the pictures they received. Afterwards, their reactions were observed and recorded.

Most of these reactions showed feelings of guilt and remorse for having sent those pictures. And since they knew that the photos would be destroyed at some point in time, this actually increased their anxiety levels as well as fear for future consequences.

The Stages Of Self-Destructing Messages

A separate study was conducted to find out the different stages of emotions that occur during the course of using a self-destructing message feature. In order to do this, a number of participants were asked to send messages with a self-destructing element. Afterwards, these participants were interviewed and asked about how they felt during the whole process.

Based on their comments, it was found that there were five main phases in the process: anticipation, performance, execution, frustration, and reenactment. The anticipation stage is when people are still trying to get around the app’s restrictions in order to send a message that would not be destroyed.

Reducing Self-Destructing Messages

One way to reduce the effects of self-destructing messages is to simply eliminate the element of surprise. For example, if a recipient receives a picture and then knows right away that it will be destroyed at some point in time, they would not have to go through the emotional process of being surprised when it happens.

Another way to reduce their use is by creating new apps that are designed like traditional apps in terms of long-lasting messages and text exchanges. These new apps could allow users to send messages over a longer period of time, rather than just one or two pictures at a time.