Snapchat users are upset with the recent Bitmoji makeover

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Shubham Sawarkar is a technology journalist at GadgetBond, covering Apple, AI, consumer technology, software, gadgets, and product launches. His work explores emerging technologies, industry developments, product...

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Oct 8, 2023, 3:12 AM EDT

Snapchat has once again found itself in hot water with its user base due to a recent update, and this time, it’s all about the beloved Bitmoji. What used to be a source of delight has now become a cause for concern among Snapchat enthusiasts. Last week, the platform unveiled a transformation of its cartoon avatars, which has taken a somewhat unsettling turn as part of Snapchat’s grand plan to bring Bitmoji into the 3D realm.

In a press release, the company proudly touted the enhancements, saying, “The new avatar style improves characteristics like hair texture, face shading, and body proportions. Your Bitmoji can now have a bolder smile, a more astonished face when they’re surprised, and can express even the most subtle and nuanced emotions.“

However, the reality on the screens of Snapchat users has left many scratching their heads. The result? Bitmojis with unnaturally long arms and angular, disconcerting faces. X (formerly Twitter) user expressed dismay, stating, “The Bitmoji has evolved into something horrifying and unsettling; Snapchat needs to revise this.“

This isn’t the first time Snapchat has stirred up controversy with an update. Earlier this year, users were up in arms about the integration of Snapchat’s My AI chatbot into their Chat feeds.

Bitmojis have been an integral part of the Snapchat experience since their integration in 2016. Much of the frustration surrounding this recent update lies in the fact that Bitmoji is essentially a representation of oneself on the platform.

As is often the case with social media updates, nostalgia for the “good old days” is setting in, with users reminiscing about the original Bitmoji. A TikTok video captioned by @princense0 has gained massive traction, featuring old 2D Bitmojis alongside the caption, “I miss the old 2D Bitmojis.” The video, set to the tune of “I Love Kanye,” has garnered over 2.8 million views and 320,000 likes, echoing the sentiment of those longing for the simpler times of Snapchat’s past.

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