Facebook releases new app geared towards teens

Another attempted by Facebook of social networking was announced today, the app "Lifestage" is geared towards teens and only for teens because you have to be at least 21 or younger to use the app. I think that the app, looking at pictures, is Facebook's way of trying to make a "better" version of Snapchat, an already popular social network towards teens.

The app was actually created by a teenage product manager at Facebook, 19 year old Michael Sayman. During a recent interview with Sayman he said that he wanted to replicate Facebook's early days. If you don't remember Facebook only allowed college students to create a Facebook account with their .edu email address back in 2004. Now with updated age restrictions, anyone can make a Facebook account to communicate with family and friends. Sayman wants to gear the app towards High School students.

When signing up for the app, you verify if your a High School student by telling the app your age and your local High School. It is not clear how Facebook will verify if your under 21 because the app is not tied with your Facebook account. Facebook does say there are good blocking and reporting protocols to get rid of the parents and the creeps trying to use the app, but remember this is a teen-only social network so that should cause some parents to worry about their kids using the app.

Multiple sources say that this is a another attempt from Facebook to copy Snapchat, the first was when Facebook owned Instagram released Instagram Stories which is similar to Snapchat stories. The app works kind of like Snapchat but with videos and the people that see what you post are from your school. The app is currently available on iOS.