How to Remove AI from Snapchat
Snapchat has become almost synonymous with AR (augmented reality) and AI (artificial intelligence) features, but not everyone is a fan of these technologies. Some users may have privacy concerns, while others simply prefer a more straightforward, human-centric experience. If you’re one of those users looking to minimize or remove AI from Snapchat, here are a few tips to help you do just that.
1. Disable Camera Permissions
The first step to removing AI from Snapchat is to restrict the app’s access to your phone’s camera. On both Android and iOS devices, you can go to your phone’s settings, find the Snapchat app, and revoke its access to the camera. This will prevent the app from using AI features such as facial recognition and object tracking during camera usage.
2. Turn Off AR Lenses
Snapchat’s AR lenses are a hallmark feature of the app, but not everyone wants to use them. To turn off AR lenses, go to the Snapchat camera screen, press and hold on your face until the lenses appear at the bottom, and then slide the lenses all the way to the left to access the “Explore” tab. From there, you can opt to turn off AR lenses entirely.
3. Use “Ghost Mode”
If you’re concerned about location-based AI features on Snapchat, such as the Snap Map, consider using “Ghost Mode” to hide your location from other users. To do this, go to your profile, tap the gear icon to access settings, and then scroll down to “See My Location.” From there, you can choose to enable Ghost Mode, which will prevent the app from using AI to track and display your location to others.
4. Opt Out of Snapchat’s Ads Preferences
Snapchat uses AI to analyze your behavior and preferences in order to serve targeted ads. If you want to minimize the impact of AI in this aspect, you can opt out of Snapchat’s ads preferences. To do this, go to your profile, tap the gear icon to access settings, then scroll down to “Additional Services,” and select “Manage” under “Ad Preferences.” From there, you can disable targeted ads based on your activity.
5. Consider Using an Alternative
If you find that even after these steps, Snapchat’s AI features are still too intrusive for your liking, you might want to consider using an alternative app altogether. There are numerous messaging and social networking apps available that offer a more straightforward communication experience without the heavy use of AI and AR.
Keep in mind that by removing or disabling AI features from Snapchat, you may lose certain functionalities and interactions that are part of the app’s core experience. However, for those who prioritize privacy and a more traditional communication experience, these steps can help reduce the impact of AI on Snapchat. Always remember to review the latest app updates and settings, as the developers might introduce new features that could affect your preferences.
