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So…Why Is There A Snapchat Filter For Condoms At THON?

As you scroll through THON 2019’s five new Snapchat filters, you may come across another filter you didn’t expect to see this weekend:

Durex didn’t seem to get the memo that it’s THON weekend at the BJC and deployed a sponsored filter with happy condoms telling users that they’re “wrapping up the day.”

Snapchat offers the filter option to businesses as an ad format. Snapchat’s ad targeting would allow Durex to “reach the most relevant Snapchatters for [its] product and goals” based on demographic characteristics like age and gender, users’ previous interests and behaviors, and location:

There’s a chance this filter existed in the area before THON even began or that the BJC ended up on the edge of a the radius selected around Penn State. College kids likely interact with companies like Durex online, too, so it could be targeting other universities with the same ad. Anyway you spin it, though, it’s a little weird that Durex didn’t do enough research to realize there was a charity dance marathon for pediatric cancer in the area it wanted to reach.

If you’re going to promote sex, safe sex is probably a good route to go. Maybe just work on your timing, Durex.

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About the Author

Gabriela Stevenson

Gabriela is a senior majoring in print and digital journalism and Onward State's former student life editor. She is from Norristown, PA, which she normally refers to as "30 minutes outside of Philadelphia" (she looked up the exact driving time). She enjoys really enjoys eating cereal at night, in case you were wondering. To contact Gabriela, e-mail her at [email protected], or follow her on Twitter @GabiStevenson if you want to feel young again.

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