A Study on the Impact of Snapchat Usage Among Youth in Navi Mumbai: Trends, Influences, and Social Behaviour

Snapchat, a leading platform in ephemeral messaging, has significantly transformed the digitalhabits of young people around the world. In urban areas like Navi Mumbai, it has evolved beyondbeing just another social media app—emerging as a powerful tool for self-expression, peer bonding, entertainment, and identity construction. This study explores how youth in Navi Mumbai engagewith Snapchat and examines the broader social, psychological, and emotional implications of its use.Using a mixed-method approach through surveys and interviews, the research identifies motivationssuch as privacy concerns, the desire for authenticity, entertainment needs, and peer pressure.Furthermore, it explores the impact of Snapchat on self-image, social interactions, attention span, and emotional well-being. The research highlights key concerns, including digital dependency, reduced face-to-face communication, and the pursuit of online validation. Practical recommendationsare offered for educators, parents, and policymakers to promote healthier, more balanced digitalpractices among youth.