In December 2021, WhatsApp made a significant update by introducing a new feature that allows users to set a default timer for their messages. This feature provides users with the option to choose from different time frames such as 24 hours, 7 days, or 90 days for their messages to remain visible before automatically disappearing. This move by WhatsApp brings it in line with other messaging apps like Snapchat, Signal, and Telegram, which have already incorporated similar functionalities. In this post, we will explore the advantages and disadvantages associated with this particular feature, shedding light on its multifaceted impact on interpersonal interactions. Thank you for joining us, enjoy.
“Our mission is to connect the world privately. As more of our conversations move from face-to-face to digital, we acknowledge there is a certain magic in just sitting down with someone in-person, sharing your thoughts in confidence, knowing you are both connecting in private and in that moment. The freedom to be honest and vulnerable, knowing that conversation isn’t being recorded and stored somewhere forever.” | WhatsApp Blog, December 6, 2021.”
Pros of using disappearing messages.
According to the company, the idea behind disappearing messages was to:
— Enhanced honesty and spontaneity in conversations: When you are aware that the conversation is not being recorded and saved indefinitely, you feel empowered to express yourself truthfully and openly.
— Ensure privacy and safety: Storing text messages can be risky, particularly if someone unauthorized gets hold of your phone. This could lead to them reading your messages without your permission or awareness, jeopardizing your privacy and personal data or the privacy of the person with whom you are talking.
Additionally, the feature of disappearing messages can be beneficial as it allows you to:
— Manage your digital footprint. Your digital footprint consists of all the information about you that is available online, including social media profiles, website activity, and any content you have created or engaged with. By actively managing your digital footprint, you can ensure that the information available about you accurately reflects your personal and professional identity.
— Move on more easily: Disappearing messages can also help you move on from certain situations or relationships. Sometimes, holding onto old messages can keep you emotionally attached to the past, hindering your ability to move forward. By having them disappear after a certain amount of time, you’re letting go of the memories and emotions associated with them, allowing yourself the opportunity to heal and grow. Additionally, disappearing messages can help clear up storage space on your device 🙂
Cons of using disappearing messages.
Even if disappearing messages present a lot of convenience in terms of privacy and security, they also come with their own set of challenges. In person-to-person interactions, disappearing messages can lead to:
— Frustrations and inefficiency in your communication: Some people might find it rude to turn on the disappearing message. Especially if they do not consent to the change. Disappearing messages can also introduce an element of ambiguity and misunderstanding into your conversations. When messages vanish after a short time, it becomes easy to misinterpret or miss important context.
— Limited usefulness in building relationships: Effective communication and building relationships often require trust and transparency. Enabling disappearing messages in your conversations can inadvertently signal a lack of trust or a desire to keep things hidden. In personal relationships, this can lead to discomfort and suspicion, while in professional settings, it can hinder collaboration and teamwork.
— Lack of accountability: Disappearing messages may reduce accountability in e-commerce transactions, as there is no permanent record of communication to reference in case of disputes or discrepancies.
And if you are still indecisive...
Here are some alternatives if you want to make use of the disappearing message feature while minimizing its drawbacks:
— Use email: Before the apparition of social media, email was one of the main communication tools in the business world. It offers a formal and structured way to communicate, allowing for clear and concise exchanges. Utilizing email for your business conversations can help in maintaining a professional image and ensures that important information is documented for future reference. Moreover, email provides a sense of responsibility as messages are recorded and can be traced back if needed.
— Keep important messages or take notes: If there are important details that you will want to remember later, keep the messages in the chat or take notes.
— Prioritize call or in-person conversations: When it comes to effective communication, prioritizing call or in-person conversations can significantly enhance the quality of interaction. Opting for a phone call or meeting in person allows for real-time feedback, immediate clarification of any misunderstandings, and a more personal connection between individuals. These forms of communication also enable the parties involved to convey emotions, tone, and nuances that might get lost in written messages or emails.
In today's digital age, where concerns over privacy and data security are at an all-time high, the concept of disappearing messages has emerged as a potential solution to address these issues. Whether you use it or not, the most important we keep a responsible attitude when using online platform to avoid data leaking. Do not randomly share personal data, and prioritize in-person meeting to discuss sensitive topics. Thank you for reading. May God bless you, take care.
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