Facebook tries to take on Snapchat with new teens-only app Lifestage

If you follow a logical line of thought Facebook really is trying to win back the teens they’ve lost to the likes of Snapchat. Now, the company is trying out a new teens-only iOS app developed by one of its younger product managers, 19-year-old Michael Sayman. Called Lifestage, it sort of harks back to the days of slam books but focuses more on your interests. It’s also like a video diary of sorts as you get asked questions about yourself but instead of typing things out you, you record small clips to answer and when you answer a new question, your friends will be able to see what’s new with you.

There is no messaging feature here with the line of reasoning being that there are already a lot of options out there. And this is truly a teenager-only zone. Anyone can download the app and answer questions but those over 22 will only be able to see their profile and won’t be able to communicate with anyone else—which is a way to keep hovering parents and creeps at bay. You can only enroll one high school and you won’t be able to change that. It harks back to the early days of Facebook when it connected schools to other schools.

There is no way to tell how Lifestage can keep away the older users but one way for you to use it is there has to be at least 20 people in your school who’s on Lifestage. The app has, as The Verge describes, “liberal blocking and reporting features” so it might be easy to report any unwanted company on the app. Of course, that also poses a different set of questions when it comes to abuse, harassment, and other possible violations. For now, if you’re a teenager, here’s another app to use to express yourself without any pesky relatives posting embarrassing things you wouldn’t want your friends to see.