WhatsApp recently rolled out a new update that allows users more control over their online status and last seen settings. This update has been met with mixed reactions from users, with some praising the additional privacy while others critiquing the reduced functionality. In this article, we will break down the key changes in the new WhatsApp update and what they mean for users.
What is the new update?
The main change in this update is that it allows users to select who can see their last seen and online status. Previously, these settings were either on for all contacts or off for everyone. Now, users have three options:
- Everyone – All contacts can see your last seen and online status
- My Contacts – Only contacts you have in your address book can see this info
- Nobody – No one can view your last seen or online status
Users can customize these settings for last seen separately from online status. So you may choose to have your online status visible to all contacts but last seen only visible to your contacts, for example.
Why did WhatsApp make this change?
WhatsApp likely introduced this update to give users more control over their privacy. Having your last seen and online always visible to all contacts can be undesirable for some. For example, you may not want employers or coworkers monitoring when you were last online.
The increased privacy settings follow WhatsApp’s recent focus on giving users more options to control their experience and data. Other privacy-focused updates have included:
- Disappearing messages – Messages can be set to delete after a period of time
- Limiting message forwards – Users can only forward messages up to 5 times to limit spread of misinformation
- Two-step verification – Added optional extra layer of security to your account
What are the benefits of this update?
Here are some of the potential benefits of the new WhatsApp update for users:
- More control over privacy – Can hide your status from people you don’t necessarily want monitoring when you’re online.
- Avoid unwanted conversations – Some find it annoying when people message right away just because they see you’re online.
- Improved work-life balance – Keep work contacts from seeing when you’re online after work or on weekends.
- Added security – Online status can sometimes be used to determine if someone is home or not, so hiding it improves security.
The flexibility to choose different settings for your contacts versus everyone else is also beneficial. You can limit visibility from strangers while still allowing friends and family to see your status.
What are potential downsides?
While many are applauding the update, there are also some criticisms and downsides:
- Reduced functionality – Not being able to see someone’s online status reduces functionality that people were used to having.
- Communication difficulties – Harder to tell when someone is available to have a conversation.
- Feeling ignored – Some people may feel ignored if they see a contact active but not responding.
- Social dilemma – Friends may wonder why you hid your status from them specifically.
There are also concerns that the reduced status visibility enables cheating in relationships or hiding work statuses from managers.
How are users reacting?
Reactions to the new WhatsApp update have been mixed across social media:
- Many support the increased privacy, though some think it should be the default setting rather than opt-in.
- Those in relationships are divided – some applaud the anti-cheating potential, others express concerns about enabling deception.
- Some companies are banning use of the setting by employees to maintain visibility.
- Younger users tend to have an overall more positive view of the change compared to older demographics.
- Lots of memes mocking people who immediately hide their status from contacts after updating.
Here are some example social media reactions:
| @JohnSmith | About time WhatsApp gave us control over our own status settings. My online status is my business alone. |
| @Jane123 | Not a fan of the new optional online status thing. Just going to create more distrust in relationships when people hide it. |
How to update your WhatsApp settings
If you haven’t updated your WhatsApp settings yet on iOS or Android, here is how to do so:
On iOS
1. Open WhatsApp and tap on the Settings tab.
2. Select Account > Privacy.
3. Tap on Last Seen & Online.
4. You can choose from the options: Everyone, My Contacts, or Nobody.
5. Repeat the steps to also change your Last Seen settings. Make sure to hit Save after selecting your options.
On Android
1. Open WhatsApp and tap the 3 dot menu.
2. Select Settings > Account > Privacy.
3. Tap on Last Seen & Online.
4. Select from Everyone, My Contacts, or Nobody for each.
5. Hit OK to save your new settings.
On WhatsApp Web/Desktop:
1. Open WhatsApp and click on the 3 dots menu.
2. Go to Settings > Privacy.
3. You can adjust your Last Seen and Profile Photo privacy here.
Make sure to closed and re-open WhatsApp after changing settings to apply the new privacy. It may also take some time to update across devices.
The pros and cons of adjusting your settings
With the new settings rolled out, it raises the question – should you change your WhatsApp privacy settings or not? Here is an overview of potential pros and cons:
Pros of adjusting
- More control over your availability
- Avoid unwanted conversations
- Added privacy and security
- Prevent employer monitoring after work hours
Cons of adjusting
- Reduces functionality friends/family are used to having
- Some relationships rely on visibility to feel reassured
- Could cause some contacts to feel ignored
- Managers may want visibility to track team progress
Key questions to ask yourself
Before deciding whether to update your settings, ask yourself these key questions:
- Do I have any contacts who may get upset if I hide my status? Would it harm the relationship?
- Are there any work contacts who need to see when I’m online for the job?
- Am I comfortable with all my contacts seeing when I’m online at all times?
- Do I tend to feel stressed or pressured to respond right away if people can see I’m online?
Based on these pros, cons and questions, you can decide if adjusting your settings is right for your situation. There is no one size fits all answer – some may benefit greatly from increased privacy while for others it causes more problems than it solves.
Best practices for online status etiquette
To avoid conflict and respect all contacts when adjusting your settings, keep these etiquette tips in mind:
- Let close contacts know if you hide your status from them to avoid misunderstandings.
- Reply to messages as soon as reasonably possible to not leave people hanging.
- Set your status to offline or busy when you are unavailable for longer periods.
- If your job requires visible status, consider keeping it on for your work contacts only.
- Don’t assume someone is intentionally ignoring you just because online status is hidden.
Following best practices helps balance your privacy needs while maintaining good relationships. Make adjustments gradually and communicate about any changes to prevent problems.
Frequently asked questions
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about the new WhatsApp update:
Does hiding my status mean I see less info about contacts too?
No, your ability to see other people’s status and last seen does not change. The update only gives users more control over the visibility of their own status.
Can specific individual contacts be blocked from seeing my status?
Currently, settings can only be adjusted for all contacts, only added contacts, or no one. There is no per-contact setting for status visibility.
If I turn my status off will it notify my contacts?
No, WhatsApp does not send any notification when you alter your status or last seen settings. The change will occur silently from the contacts’ perspective.
Can I choose who sees when I’m typing a message?
No, the update only addressed status and last seen settings. The typing indicator when you are messaging someone cannot be adjusted and will remain visible to all contacts.
Do my settings sync between devices automatically?
Yes, your privacy settings should automatically synchronize across the mobile app and WhatsApp Web/Desktop within a short period of time after changing them.
Can I override my status settings for specific chats?
There is no ability to change status visibility for specific chats. The settings apply globally for all your contacts.
Conclusion
The new WhatsApp update provides users with enhanced control over their online status and last seen information. While this caters to increased privacy demands, it also reduces visibility that some contacts rely on for communication.
Carefully evaluating your own priorities around availability versus privacy can help determine if adjusting these settings would be right for your situation. Maintaining open communication with contacts about any changes can help smooth the transition as well.
Going forward, providing more options for users to manage their data and interactions on WhatsApp allows for a more customizable experience meeting diverse needs. However, it also requires thoughtfully balancing potential trade-offs in functionality versus privacy.