Did you know that WhatsApp is the most popular messaging app in the world?
If you don’t use the app, chances are, you know at least one person who does. It has taken over the messaging world and become a way of life. The app is so popular that the question ‘why do people use WhatsApp obsessively’ is frequently asked. It has become even more popular recently, with the newest features announced only a few weeks ago.
If we were obsessed before, we’re about to become addicted, and here’s why.
Why Is WhatsApp So Popular? (Key Features That Have Helped Its Adoption)
WhatsApp is mostly popular for its versatility. Asides from being user-friendly and fully equipped with a range of valuable features, it is also super affordable, available in several countries, downloadable on any device, and is end-to-end encrypted. Moreover, since its launch in 2009, the app has continuously improved, giving its users what they didn’t know they needed.
Here are some of its best features;
Affordable
WhatsApp is completely free to use. It does not come with in-app purchases or other hidden purchases. You simply download it for free and use it as you would any other messaging or social media app – all you need is a stable internet connection. It also allows users to communicate with anyone, anywhere in the world, without worrying about how high their phone bills could get.
Accessible
WhatsApp is available in about 180 countries and on almost all devices. It is the leading messaging platform in over 112 countries and has over 2 billion active users with various devices. This simply means that the app is available to almost everyone everywhere, regardless of your location or device. The app is one of the few things that devices like iPhones and Androids have in common.
Easy Communication
WhatsApp makes it incredibly easy to communicate in any way you prefer and for any purpose, which is why so many people use it. You can call, text, and video call one-on-one or in groups for free. You can also send broadcasts, share media or files, send voice messages, share a location, send disappearing messages, and upload picture or text statuses. The app’s interface is simple enough to be appropriate for any use. So whether it’s for work, family, or friends – WhatsApp is an excellent platform for it.
Whatsapp Business
WhatsApp Business is a standalone app that combines the features of WhatsApp with special business tools that benefit the average Business owner. It can be used to communicate better with potential customers, advertise, set up a chatbot, organize sales or customers, set quick replies/interactive buttons, put out a catalog, collect payments, and set up a business profile.
Whatsapp Web Or Desktop
As mentioned earlier, WhatsApp is available on a wide range of devices – even laptops or computers. You can choose to access WhatsApp on your PC via the web or by downloading the app. This way, you can easily access your conversations and shared files on your PC. However, it is essential to note that you cannot make calls with either WhatsApp web or desktop, and your phone would need to be connected to the internet.
Easy Connection
WhatsApp eliminates the hassle of getting a person’s username to connect with them – as long as you have their number and they are registered on the app, they are automatically on your WhatsApp. You can also connect with anyone on the app by simply scanning their WhatsApp QR code with your WhatsApp camera – oh, that’s right, it also comes with a camera feature within the app.
With WhatsApp, you won’t have to wonder if someone will follow you back, and you won’t need to sign up with an email or sign in either. Having a person’s contact who is also on WhatsApp is an automatic connection. You also only have to register once and sign in when you switch devices.
No Ads – Phew!
WhatsApp is one of the few social media platforms that have no ads whatsoever – sure, you might sometimes see a status post from “WhatsApp” informing you of the newest features, but that happens once in a blue moon, and you can choose not to view it. There are no ads, gimmicks, unsolicited emails, or other forms of disturbances.
Fast and Efficient
Another great thing about the app is that there are almost no downtimes or shutdowns. You’ve probably never seen ‘WhatsApp down’ trending on Twitter or other platforms. And those that have experienced downtimes on the app probably didn’t even notice it – that’s how efficient the app is. It is also really fast. Yes, you need an internet connection to use the app, but it is fast enough that even on a 2G network, the app would load, and you can still send messages. The app is relentless in ensuring user satisfaction.
Secure
Contrary to the opinions of a lot of people, WhatsApp is very safe to use, and we’re going to prove it with two simple points. One – it is end-to-end encrypted, so even WhatsApp cannot see your text/voice messages, have access to shared files, or listen in on your calls. Your conversations are entirely between you and the people you have them with.
And two, the app does not store your messages or data in its server or any database – it’s all just there on your phone. This proves once again that WhatsApp does not have any access to your conversations; only you do. Even if there were ever a security breach, whatever they manage to access would be encrypted.
Your WhatsApp conversations can only be leaked if your phone gets hacked or stolen. However, it could also be circulated by the other person(s) in the conversation.
Other features include;
- Text formatting
- Data and storage usage information within the app
- Low data option
- Useful privacy options
- Password or face/touch ID lock
- Emoji skins
- Message quotes within chats
- Disable blue ticks and last seen
- Choose who sees your status uploads
- Dark mode
- Search options within specific chats and all chats at once
- Disappearing messages or media
- Location sharing
- Chat screen wallpaper for all chats and specific chats
- Export chat
- Manage storage within the app
- Star messages
- Screenshot blocking for disappearing messages
- 2-FA security
- Permanently mute groups or individuals
Why Do People Use Whatsapp Obsessively?
People use WhatsApp obsessively because it has an extensive list of actually useful features. The app checks all the boxes and more when it comes to what users require from a messaging platform.
It is also the most used messaging app in the world, so you probably know more people who use it than those who don’t – making it the best way to communicate with friends, colleagues, and family.
Is Whatsapp Safer Than Texting?
Yes, WhatsApp is safer than texting. As earlier stated, it is end-to-end encrypted, and regular texting is not. Also, only you and those you converse with can access your conversations on WhatsApp. But, with texting, anyone at the phone company can see and record every text you send or receive.
Even when a WhatsApp message does not deliver and remains in WhatsApp’s server until it does – it is encrypted and only decrypts when it reaches the receiver’s phone.
Does Whatsapp Use SMS Or Data?
WhatsApp uses your mobile data or Wi-Fi and only requires an internet connection to function. It does not use SMS and will not reflect in your phone bill. Even if you do not have a stable connection, you might still be able to send WhatsApp messages. You can communicate with anyone, anywhere in the world, without worrying about the charge.
Who Uses Whatsapp The Most? (Age, Country, And Gender Data)
WhatsApp is used mostly in India, with over 390 million active users monthly. It also has over 573 million active users monthly in Brazil, the US, Indonesia, Russia, Mexico, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the UK.
78% of WhatsApp users in the US use the app weekly, and 27% of them are between the ages of 26 and 35. On the other hand, 97% of WhatsApp users in Germany are between 18-29, and 55% of users in India are between 18-34.
Its worldwide user base is also made up of 53.9% males and 46.1% females.
When Someone Asks For Your Whatsapp, What Do You Give Them?
If you are asked for your WhatsApp, you only have to share your number that is registered on the app. Once the person saves your number on their phone, it will also come up on WhatsApp, and the person can now text or call you. Alternatively, you can share your WhatsApp QR code or have them scan it with their WhatsApp camera.
On an iPhone;
- Open WhatsApp
- Tap the settings icon in the bottom menu
- Click on the QR code icon next to your name
- To share the code, click on the share icon in the top right corner and select a contact or app
- Click on the blue arrow to send it
- The recipient can now open the shared picture of your code using the WhatsApp camera to view your account
- To scan the code, have the person follow steps 1-3 above
- Next, they should click on Scan to scan your code
- The code can also be scanned with a regular iPhone camera
On an Android;
- Open WhatsApp
- Tap the options icon in the top right corner and select Settings
- Click on the QR code icon next to your name
- To share the code, click on the share icon in the top right corner and select a contact or app
- Click on the green arrow and tap Send
- The recipient can now open the shared picture of your code using the WhatsApp camera to view your account
- To scan the code, have the person follow steps 1-3 above
- Next, they should click on Scan to scan your code
- The code can also be scanned with a regular scanner app
Read also: Why Am I Not Receiving WhatsApp Messages Unless I Open the App on Android and iPhone?
Can Someone Read Your Whatsapp Message Without You Knowing?
Yes, your WhatsApp message can be read without your knowledge. This can be done by disabling read receipts. When the recipient disables their read receipts, the sender will no longer see the blue ticks that indicate that their message has been read. To do this;
- Open WhatsApp
- Tap the settings icon in the bottom menu
- Click on Accounts >> Privacy
- Scroll down and toggle off Read Receipts
On an Android;
- Open WhatsApp
- Tap the options icon in the top right corner and select Settings >> Accounts >> Privacy
- Scroll down and turn off Read Receipts
Another way to read someone’s message without them knowing is by briefly turning ON Airplane mode. This way, the app does not register that you have read the message because it is not connected to the internet. To do this;
- After receiving the text, turn ON Airplane mode
- Go back to the app and read the message
- Next, close the app and turn OFF Airplane mode
- Open the app again
Alternatively, as an iPhone user, you can press and hold on the particular chat to see the message without actually opening it – and after reading, you can click on any free space outside the window to close the view. The message will still be marked as unread.
You can also read the message from your notification bar or WhatsApp widget card on Android. And if you use WhatsApp web, you can hover over the message with your cursor to see the full content of it. Although this only works for the last received message.
Read also: How Many Community Guidelines Strikes On TikTok To Get Banned
Is Whatsapp Really Private? Is It Safe To Use?
Yes, WhatsApp is safe to use. As earlier mentioned, it is end-to-end encrypted, meaning your conversations are only accessible to you and those you have them with. However, it is essential to note that as a member of the Meta family, WhatsApp shares some user data with Meta (FKA Facebook).
While this has put a damper on the use of the app, with users worried about their private information being leaked, the information that is actually shared is mainly limited to your phone number and usage data, i.e., how you use the app. And this is only when you are conversing with a business account.
Does this pose an actual threat to anyone? No, but the full extent of the data shared between WhatsApp and Meta remains undisclosed.
It is also important to note that, while conversations within the app are end-to-end encrypted so that even WhatsApp cannot access them – when users backup their chat history to the cloud or google, they become decrypted and can be accessed by the cloud or google. However, this can be avoided by turning on end-to-end encrypted backup.
- Open WhatsApp
- On an iPhone, tap the settings icon in the bottom menu – on an Android, tap the options icon in the top right corner and select Settings
- Click on Chats >> Chat Backup >> End-to-end Encrypted Backup >> Turn ON
Conclusion
If you were to conduct a survey on why people use WhatsApp obsessively, you would get answers that are very similar to – if not the same with – those in this article. You might also see a large number of people who just had to use it because everyone they know does.
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