Three Reasons why Messaging Apps like Whatsapp are Replacing
Source: Lisa Ferlazzo
Ever since its initial release in 2009, Whatsapp has been a universal success, downloaded onto millions of devices and used by many to keep in touch with friends and family. In fact, the messaging application has become so popular that it was recently acquired by Facebook for 19 billion dollars. This is a large sum of money to pay for a single application, however it is easy to understand Facebook’s motives: the popularity of Whatsapp does not seem to have an end in sight, and the app could potentially pose a risk to Facebook’s own messaging application. But what is it about these messaging applications that makes them so popular and widely used? Why have they gone from strength to strength, where modes of communication such as the once popular MSN Messenger have died out? Here are three explanations that explain why apps like Whatsapp are succeeding in today’s digital climate:
1. It can be installed on multiple platforms
Unlike the previously mentioned MSN messenger, Whatsapp and other mobile messaging applications like it can be installed on a range of mobile phones and tablets, making cross platform communication possible. It doesn’t matter whether your phone is an Apple or an Android, or even a Windows phone; the app can be installed on nearly all devices, granted they can run up to date firmware. This is part of the reason for Whatsapp’s success, as people desired a method of communication that could be used on all platforms, allowing them to message and keep in touch with all their friends from a single app. This is obviously a much better alternative than having to have multiple messaging apps installed for each type of phone your friend owns, or even not being able to message them at all due to your phone not being compatible itself.
2. Users are not charged per message sent, making textual communication affordable
Another great feature of Whatsapp is that it is very affordable, with the only charges coming in the form of data charges for the minuscule amounts of data used. Because the messages are sent using your internet connection, messages can be sent affordably, unlike sending SMS messages on phones, which can often cost up to a few dollars per conversation if you send 10 messages. Instant messaging is also a cheaper alternative to phone calls for communicating information, and in recent updates, Whatsapp allows you to attach images, audio files and even videos to your messages, giving you a range of media options to choose from as long as you have a good data plan or an internet connection.
3. It’s a quick and easy means of communication
Perhaps the best thing about Whatsapp and other messaging apps is the fact that they are a means of instant communication. When you send a message, the other person receives it instantly, as long as their phone is on and they are in range of reception. With other forms of messaging, such as SMS, there can be a slight delay between the sending and receiving of a message, making it difficult to have a conversation that isn’t stilted. However, Whatsapp removes this barrier, sending the messages instantly and making it easier for a conversation to flow smoothly.
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