The Benefits of BeReal: Why People Are Rethinking Social Sharing

BeReal is not another polished highlight reel. It’s a social app that nudges users to share real moments at unpredictable times, using both the front and back cameras to capture a snapshot of daily life. As it grows in popularity, more people are asking what sets BeReal apart from traditional social networks—and what it can teach us about online connection. In this article, we explore the benefits of BeReal and how its approach to authenticity can influence everyday conversations, relationships, and personal well-being.

What BeReal Is and How It Works

BeReal invites users to post one photo a day within a narrow time window when the app sends a notification. Instead of a highly curated feed, BeReal shows a grainy, unfiltered view of the moment. Users receive a two-minute countdown, during which both the front and rear cameras snap simultaneously, producing a spontaneous, imperfect image. The result is a stream of ordinary life—commuting, meals, hobbies, and small rituals—shared in near real time.

Key elements include:

Dual-camera capture that reveals multiple perspectives of a moment
An unpredictable daily prompt that minimizes overthinking about what to post
A simple feed that prioritizes recency over vanity metrics
A sense of community through mutual participation—friends see each other’s BeReal posts, not just a curated highlight

For many users, this design reduces the pressure to present a perfect life. It creates a more level playing field where everyday experiences are visible and valued, not just the most glamorous experiences people choose to share on other platforms.

Authenticity Over Curation

One of the benefits of BeReal is its emphasis on authenticity. In a landscape dominated by polished feeds and sponsored content, BeReal offers a counterbalance: real moments, good or bad, captured in the moment they happen. This approach can lessen the cognitive load associated with constant self-presentation and comparison.

When people post without overthinking lighting, angles, or captions, it can foster a more honest dialogue among friends. Viewers learn to interpret images as a slice of life rather than a carefully constructed narrative. This authenticity can deepen trust and make online interactions feel more human. The less performative environment may also encourage shy or busy people to share small wins, everyday challenges, or spontaneous joys that would otherwise go unspoken.

Mental Health and Social Comparison

BeReal’s less curated format can influence mental health in meaningful ways. By exposing a broader range of daily life, it reduces the social comparison trap that often accompanies highly edited feeds. When posts reflect ordinary days—broken routines, messy desks, imperfect meals—users may feel less inadequate about their own lives. In turn, this can contribute to a more forgiving social atmosphere where people support one another rather than compete over appearances.

Of course, no platform is completely without pressure. Some users may worry about missing prompts or feeling left out if friends post while they are offline. However, the difference is that BeReal invites a kinder, more grounded form of participation. Instead of chasing a perfect image, users can engage with genuine content, comment on real moments, and celebrate small, authentic experiences. For many, this shift supports healthier online habits and a more sustainable sense of self online.

Fostering Real Connections

Communication that reflects real life tends to be more meaningful. BeReal reduces the distance created by highly stylized content and offers a platform where friends can connect around the ordinary rhythms of daily life. This fosters a sense of being seen and understood among peers, which is essential for social well-being. Shared snippets of everyday scenes—home projects, study sessions, coffee runs—open up conversations that might not occur in more regimented feeds. Over time, this can strengthen friendships and build a sense of community beyond the loop of likes and comments.

In a broader sense, BeReal can shape expectations for social media. If more platforms celebrate authenticity, users may begin to value honesty over perfection across all their online interactions. The ripple effect could lead to more transparent conversations with family, coworkers, and communities, which is especially valuable in an era where digital communication can feel transactional or performative.

Impact on Content Quality and Creativity

Paradoxically, the push toward real-time sharing can boost creativity. When the content is less about staging a scene for the camera, people notice small, memorable details—the lighting in the kitchen, the texture of a homemade meal, or a candid reaction to a spontaneous moment. These fragments can inspire new conversations, prompts for storytelling, or shared tips and ideas based on real experiences.

Moreover, the BeReal format invites a more even distribution of attention. Rather than a handful of top creators dominating a feed, friends and family contribute a wider array of everyday moments. This democratization can diversify the types of content people see and discuss, encouraging everyone to participate and contribute something personal, whether it’s a hobby, a challenge, or a simple snapshot from a daily routine.

Practical Tips for Getting the Most Out of BeReal

Set realistic expectations: embrace imperfect moments and don’t stress about posting every day; even occasional BeReal posts can reinforce authentic sharing.
Engage thoughtfully: comment on friends’ real moments with kindness and curiosity to deepen connections.
Balance is key: combine BeReal with other forms of communication—text messages, calls, or in-person meetups—to maintain a well-rounded social life.
Protect privacy: be mindful of what you share, particularly in sensitive contexts like work or family dynamics. Use BeReal’s privacy controls and think before posting.
Use it as a learning tool: observe how others present real-life moments and reflect on what those snapshots reveal about daily routines, hobbies, and values.

BeReal in Daily Life: Real-World Benefits

Adopting BeReal can translate into tangible daily benefits. For students, it can create a sense of community in study groups and clubs by sharing study sessions, memes, or outdoor breaks in real time. For families, it offers a casual way to share snippets of home life, milestones, or simple joys without the pressure of curated family albums. For colleagues, it can humanize remote teams by providing a glimpse into the everyday environments in which people work, which can foster empathy and collaboration.

BeReal can also influence how we approach social events and gatherings. By encouraging participants to capture and share a moment from the same time frame, it creates a shared memory that can be revisited later. The result is a more inclusive, real-time record of experiences that everyone can relate to, rather than a succession of isolated, highly edited posts.

Potential Drawbacks and How to Use BeReal Mindfully

While BeReal has many benefits, it’s wise to be mindful of its limits. The spontaneity that defines the app can also create a sense of FOMO when someone misses a prompt. Some users may feel pressure to post at awkward times simply to avoid being left out. It’s important to recognize that participation is optional and to curate your online life in a way that supports your well-being, not detracts from it.

Another consideration is the potential for privacy concerns. Real-time sharing, even within a trusted circle, creates a window into daily routines that some people would prefer to keep private. Use the app’s privacy features, think about who can see your posts, and don’t overshare personal information that could be misused.

Conclusion: Rethinking How We Share

BeReal represents a shift in how we think about online sharing. By prioritizing authenticity, it invites more honest conversations and deeper connections while reducing the pressure to craft an ideal image. It may not replace more expansive social platforms, but it can complement them by offering a grounded, human perspective on everyday life. The real value lies in how it motivates us to show up as our true selves, to listen with empathy, and to celebrate ordinary moments as meaningful parts of our shared human experience.

Understanding the benefits of BeReal can help readers approach social media with greater intention and clarity. It reminds us that meaningful connection often grows from small, unpolished moments rather than perfect highlight reels. In a world saturated with curated content, that simple return to authenticity can be a powerful, refreshing change.