Have you ever wondered what the green dot next to a Snapchat avatar is? This is a common question among Snapchat users, who are often curious and speculative.
This green dot symbol has become a subject of interest, with many users trying to know its purpose. Continue as we understand the green dot's potential meaning and reliability.
What Does the Green Dot Mean?
Snapchat users must have noticed the green dot on the Quick Add page next to the Bitmoji of suggested friends. This signifies that the user has been active on Snapchat recently, offering a cue to others who want to add them as friends and start conversations.
Snapchat’s AI chatbot, My AI, describes this green dot as a tool that increases friend connections by showing online users. This green dot doesn't appear anywhere else on the app, like on the User Profile or the Chat Page, so its utility is confined only to the Quick Add section.
The Role of the Green Dot on Snapchat's Camera Screen
The green dot can also be seen on Snapchat's camera screen on both iOS and Android devices. However, the meaning here is quite different.
The green dot on Snapchat's camera screen shows us when an app is accessing the camera or microphone. While this may appear while using Snapchat, it is a feature of the operating system instead of the Snapchat platform.
Reliability and Limitations of the Green Dot
The green dot in Snapchat offers accurate time information on the user's presence, but its reliability depends on various factors.
For example, the dot indicates recent activity but doesn't offer real-time precision. The user may have been active a while ago and is no longer using the app. Also, seeing the green dot doesn't mean the user is viewing your profile or content. It is a sign that they are currently online on the platform.
Additionally, the feature's restricted visibility in the Quick Add section limits its usefulness. Many users prefer seeing an indicator like this on the Chat page or Story section, as it will facilitate conversations.
Privacy Concerns
Snapchat's green dot also raises some privacy concerns. Knowing someone has been recently active can lead to unintended pressure to respond or engage.
If you find this feature intrusive, you can turn it off. To do so, tap the Settings button on the Profile screen, scroll down to the Privacy controls, and tap on the Activity indicator. Here, turn the toggle switch to off.