The motto of Kik.com is “connecting the world through chat.” As a social networking app, the platform allows the youth of the world to communicate easily without resorting to the same old texting on their smartphones. Most appropriate for older teens, Kik features everything on trend that kids covet like video, image filters, and the ability to stay up to date with their favorite commercial brands.

With built-in web search, Kik gets users to third-party sites. The company attracts partners with their promise “to reach teens in their world.”

As with other social media giants like Instagram, Twitter and Facebook, Kik facilitates joining people with similar interests and promotes chatting and the exchange of photos and information. While adults can use it, younger users enjoy the socializing aspects and the ability to play games with online chat bots. A new twist in app technology called “Kik Code” allows devotees to quickly friend people by “scanning their code” with their phone camera. When someone scans you their code, an instant chat opens.

Kik promises an easy and convenient way to stay in touch. While various forms of social media may appear to be redundant, young people like to connect in different ways depending upon their mood and location. They appreciate the ease of chatting one on one or in groups. They are no stranger to connecting with a bot. Variety is the name of the game and Kik offers multiple ways to show your personality and digital style with a plethora of emoji’s, images, texts and videos.

The modern way to interface is through entertaining and engaging messages. With new apps like Kik designed for their specific age group, teens are never at a loss for something fun to do as they pass the non-school hours of the day. If there are a few minutes to spare, many visit the bot shop.

With a feature called Discover Bot, users so inclined can ask questions, participate in an interactive short story, create your own meme and photo captions, or play classical Hangman. With the bots, users can do puzzles, get fashion tips, and enjoy some timely advice. Parents of young teens will appreciate the Safety Center (with tips on maintaining privacy) and Law Enforcement resource section of the website. Accessing the blog makes everyone part of the Kik community.

By C. Kotrozo, BIG Writer