Alright, folks, it’s time to lace up your sneakers, grab your phone, and get those steps in—not just for fitness goals or bragging rights, but for something way more meaningful. Snapchat (yes, the app you open way more times than you’d ever admit out loud) has teamed up with the National Multiple Sclerosis Society (NMSS) for a step challenge with a purpose. And no, this isn’t your average “walk 10,000 steps and forget about it” deal. This one comes with a virtual twist, a cause that matters, and a side of friendly competition.
Say hello to Snap’s first-ever regional step counter AR Lens—a shiny, interactive, move-your-body experience designed to raise awareness about Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Think of it as your virtual cheerleader, quizmaster, and scoreboard all in one. And the best part? It doesn’t track your location. So you can go from pacing your living room to strutting through the mall—your steps still count, and your privacy stays intact. Win-win!
Walk, Learn, Repeat
So here’s how it works: Every time you hit a new step milestone, you unlock some bite-sized knowledge bombs about MS. From the mystery of symptoms to why early diagnosis is crucial, it’s like leveling up in a game—except the prize is real awareness, not just a digital badge.
Oh, and just in case you’re wondering: MS is a chronic condition that messes with the central nervous system, making life unpredictable for those living with it. It affects movement, vision, and even thinking—and guess what? The UAE is now in a moderately high-risk zone. So yeah, this is the kind of info we should all know about, even if your idea of cardio is running late.
Friendly Feats & Fierce Footsteps
Snap has even added a Leaderboard feature because, let’s face it, we all secretly want to know who’s out-walking us. Whether you’re a silent stepper or a competitive walker with a personal vendetta against your friends’ Fitbits, there’s a place for you in this challenge. Bonus points if you rope in your group chat—because awareness shared is awareness multiplied.
And if you’re wondering who’s making this even cooler? Creators. Yup, some of your favorite Snapchat personalities are getting in on the action too. So not only are you learning about MS—you’re doing it alongside influencers, friends, and the whole Snap fam. Community vibes = activated.
More Than Just a Filter
Let’s be real: Snapchat has come a long way from rainbow vomit filters (RIP, old friend). Their AR tech has grown up, and now it’s out here trying to change the world—one Lens at a time. With 80% of UAE Snapchatters engaging with AR daily, this is the perfect place to spark change, spark curiosity, and yes, maybe even spark a few step-induced sore calves.
Hussein Freijeh, VP of Snap MENA, said it best: “We’re not just educating the community about MS; we’re empowering them to take action.” And honestly? That’s what makes this campaign a whole vibe.
The Bigger Picture
NMSS’s Maral Alexandrian is also bringing the energy: “True impact is never achieved alone.” And she’s right. It takes partnership, creativity, and a lot of movement—both literal and metaphorical—to turn awareness into action. With Snap on their side, NMSS is making MS education not just accessible, but engaging and maybe even… a little fun?
So, ready to turn your daily stroll into a meaningful mission? Head over to Snapchat, fire up the Step Counter Lens, and let your feet do the talking. Who knew a little walking could go such a long way?
Get moving. Get learning. Get snapping. Let’s do this—one step (and snap) at a time.
