WhatsApp recently rolled out an update that allows users to make messages disappear after 24 hours by default. This new feature gives users more control over their privacy and helps keep conversations feeling lighter and in the moment. Here’s a look at how the disappearing messages feature works and what it means for WhatsApp users.
How do WhatsApp’s disappearing messages work?
WhatsApp’s disappearing messages option allows users to make new messages sent in an individual or group chat disappear after 24 hours by default. Once enabled, any new messages sent in that chat will disappear after 24 hours. The most recent selection controls all messages in the chat – enabling or disabling disappears messages will only affect new messages in the chat.
To enable disappearing messages, open an existing chat, tap the contact or group name to open settings, select Disappearing Messages, and pick the 24 hours option. You can disable disappearing messages at any time and your messages will remain in the chat as they were. The change goes into effect immediately – enabling disappearing messages in a chat won’t make previous messages disappear.
Key details about how disappearing messages work:
- The timer is based on the device the message was sent from, not received on. So if you send a disappearing message from your phone, the timer runs out 24 hours later regardless of when the recipient views it on their phone.
- Messages will disappear in the sender and recipient’s chats at the same time.
- If a disappearing message is forwarded to a chat with disappearing messages off, it won’t disappear in the forwarded chat.
- Disappearing messages can still be backed up to iCloud on iOS devices.
- Messages sent or received before disappearing messages was enabled won’t be affected.
Why did WhatsApp add disappearing messages?
There are a few key reasons why WhatsApp introduced the ability to make messages disappear:
- Privacy – Disappearing messages gives users more control over their privacy. Sensitive chats can be set to disappear for added security.
- Reduce clutter – By having messages automatically delete after 24 hours, it limits message buildup and keeps chats focused on recent conversations.
- Feel closer to in-person conversations – The impermanence makes messaging feel more natural, similar to in-person conversations.
- Differentiate from competitors – Other messaging apps like Signal already offered disappearing messages. This feature brings WhatsApp up to speed.
While not everyone will use disappearing messages, the option allows users to decide if and when they want messages to be deleted automatically. It gives more flexibility based on each chat’s dynamics.
How does this change messaging on WhatsApp?
The addition of disappearing messages fundamentally changes messaging and privacy on WhatsApp in the following ways:
More private conversations
Disappearing messages enable users to have more private, confidential chats. Engaging in sensitive conversations via WhatsApp no longer means a record of chat history remains indefinitely. This gives users more control over their privacy.
Changes message dynamics
Having messages disappear makes the tone and purpose of conversations different. You can’t refer back to older messages or recall details, so it keeps the focus on real-time communication. The impermanence makes messaging more casual.
Reduces messaging clutter
With old messages regularly clearing out, disappearing messages prevent message buildup over time. It keeps long-running chats focused on recent topics instead of becoming bloated archives.
Sharing more freely
If sensitive messages disappear, it removes reservations some may have about sharing personal information and media. The added privacy could lead to more open communication.
Rethinking message backups
Backing up your messages to retain important information will become more crucial with disappearing messages on by default. Relying purely on chat history being available in WhatsApp becomes riskier.
What are the pros and cons of WhatsApp’s disappearing messages?
Like any new messaging feature, disappearing messages come with both benefits and drawbacks. Here is a comparison of the pros and cons:
| Pros | Cons |
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Overall, disappearing messages give more control over privacy at the cost of losing some message history. It’s a beneficial update for privacy-focused users, but may require changes in messaging habits for some.
How are users reacting to the update?
Reactions to disappearing messages have been mixed, but skewed positive overall:
- Many appreciate the added privacy and reduced clutter from auto message deletion.
- Some find it stressful to lose access to older messages and rely purely on live chat.
- There’s confusion around nuances like how forwarded messages are treated.
- Long-time users find the impermanence takes adjusting to compared to indefinite message archives.
- Younger users tend to be more receptive to ephemeral messaging already common on platforms like Snapchat.
As with most major app updates, there is an adaptation period as users get accustomed to the changes. Disappearing messages fundamentally alter the messaging experience on WhatsApp, so frustrations around the learning curve are understandable. But the optional nature means it’s an opt-in change, alleviating concerns for many reticent users.
User feedback on WhatsApp’s disappearing messages:
“It makes me uncomfortable not having any chat history to refer back to.”
“I like that it feels more private – I don’t have to worry about old messages sticking around.”
“It seems silly that forwarding a disappearing message keeps it from disappearing.”
“I’m glad it’s optional since I rely on chat history, but it’s a nice feature to have.”
Conclusion
WhatsApp’s rollout of disappearing messages delivers an optional new level of privacy and security to over 2 billion users worldwide. By giving users more control over message lifespan, it enables more private conversations, reduces chat clutter, and modernizes messaging with ephemeral communication.
However, the loss of message history and rapid deletion takes adjusting to for many long-time WhatsApp users. Proper use of backups and selective use of disappearing messages will help balance privacy with utility. Overall, the addition is a positive step in giving users more granular control over their WhatsApp experience and communication.