Millennial in Training? Peres turns 93, joins Snapchat
"Young people inspire me, and the most important thing for me is to hear what they have to say," Peres says.
By CORAL BRAUNUpdated: AUGUST 9, 2016 18:49Former President Shimon Peres on Snapchat.(photo credit: FACEBOOK)
Former President Shimon Peres may have just turned 93, but he sure isn't slowing down or falling behind on the times.Shortly following his August 2nd birthday, Peres formally announced on his Facebook page Sunday that he would be joining the ranks of Snapchat - a move that is likely to broaden his reach to a much younger generation.Snapchat, an instant photo application that allows users to share fleeting moments with their friends and followers through images and videos that delete instantly, has skyrocketed in popularity and garnered a wide user base since it's release in 2011.With over 100 million daily active users - most of which are millennials aged 18-35 - Snapchat has caught the attention of advertisers, media outlets, and politicians who have turned to the app to expand their reach to a young, technologically savvy generation."I turned 93 this week, and it seemed like just the right age to join Snapchat," Peres wrote. "Young people inspire me, and the most important thing for me is to hear what they have to say. Today, all the young people are on Snapchat, and I am happy to be on there with them."He invited users to follow his account and join his movement "based on the understanding that innovation is the key to the future," and emphasized the importance of "creating a new generation where technology and science are the top priority."Peres is not the first in Israel to turn to Snapchat in a bid to appeal to the younger generation. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been active on the platform since last month, posting occasional fleeting videos that give followers a peek into the life of an Israeli PM.The IDF and IAF too, have left their mark on the network, launching accounts to supplement an already existing presence on Facebook, Instagram, and other social media networks.