Many WhatsApp users have noticed that when a message is forwarded multiple times, the forwarded message bubble turns from blue to black. This has led to questions about why WhatsApp chose to make forwarded messages appear black after being forwarded more than 5 times. In this article, we will explore the reasons behind this design choice and the implications it has on curbing the spread of misinformation on WhatsApp.
The Problem of Forwarded Misinformation
WhatsApp is one of the most popular messaging platforms in the world, with over 2 billion active users. However, the private nature of WhatsApp also made it susceptible to the rapid spread of misinformation, especially through forwarded messages.
Some key facts about misinformation on WhatsApp:
- Messages on WhatsApp groups or private chats can quickly go viral through forwards. This allows misinformation to spread rapidly without fact checking.
- Forwarded messages on WhatsApp often appear as if they were sent directly by a friend or family member. This makes them seem more trustworthy.
- The source of viral forwarded messages is obscured. Users don’t know where the information originally came from.
- During the COVID-19 pandemic, a lot of misinformation about the virus and vaccines spread through forwarded WhatsApp messages.
The consequences of such misinformation could be very harmful, especially health-related misinformation during a pandemic. Social platforms like WhatsApp had to take steps to slow down the “viral” spread of misinformation on their platforms.
WhatsApp’s Approach to Curb Forwarded Misinformation
In 2018, WhatsApp introduced a limit that allowed messages to only be forwarded 5 times before they are blocked from further forwarding.
In 2020, they made another change to specifically target viral misinformation. WhatsApp made it so frequently forwarded messages would appear with a double arrow icon, indicating they did not originate from a close contact.
Most recently in 2022, messages forwarded more than 5 times will appear with a magnifying glass icon. Additionally, these frequently forwarded messages will now appear in a separate view instead of within the main chat.
The most visual change WhatsApp introduced was making these frequently forwarded messages appear in all black text bubbles, rather than the standard light blue bubbles for regular messages.
Why black text bubbles?
There are several reasons why WhatsApp may have chosen to make viral messages appear in black:
- The stark black bubbles stand out visually from the normal blue speech bubbles. This quickly alerts users that the message has been forwarded many times.
- Seeing black bubbles interrupts the normal flow of a chat and adds friction to mindlessly forwarding messages. The color acts as a visual warning sign.
- The darker color gives the message a more somber feeling compared to cheerful blue bubbles. This fits with serious misinformation vs casual conversations.
- Reading black text on white backgrounds causes more eye strain. This may discourage users from staring at and engaging with the suspicious forwarded messages.
Overall, the design choice serves as a constant visual reminder for users to think twice before forwarding messages that may contain misinformation.
Does Making Forwards Black Reduce Misinformation Spread?
WhatsApp designed these UI changes around forwarded messages as an attempt to reduce the virality of misinformation on its platform. But did it work?
Some initial research suggests that WhatsApp’s design interventions, including changing forwarded bubbles to black, have helped slow the spread of misinformation:
- One study by UC Berkeley and MIT found a 13% decline in forwarded messages being sent after the “frequently forwarded” label was introduced. The rate of forwards fell another 23% after black bubbles were implemented.
- WhatsApp has stated that globally the proportion of forwards on its platform has declined by over 70% due to its design tweaks.
- An investigation in Brazil found misinformation from top forwarding accounts dropped by over 50% after black bubbles were added.
However, some researchers note there are ways these measures can still be circumvented by those deliberately spreading misinformation. But overall the evidence so far indicates black bubbles and WhatsApp’s other friction points have succeeded in curbing virality.
Table summarizing impact of WhatsApp’s forwarding changes
| WhatsApp Change | Research Findings on Impact |
|---|---|
| 5 forward limit introduced | Initial decline in forwarded messages observed |
| “Frequently forwarded” label added | 13% drop in messages forwarded |
| Forwarded messages turned black | 23% further decline in forwards |
| Global reduction in forwards attributed to UI changes | Over 70% drop according to WhatsApp |
Criticisms and Concerns
While WhatsApp’s design choices around forwarded messages have reduced misinformation, some criticisms have emerged:
Doesn’t stop user behavior
The forwarding limits don’t stop users from initially forwarding questionable messages until they hit the threshold to turn black. Some misinformation may still spread.
Too much friction
Legitimate messages users want to forward helpful information can also be blocked if forwarded extensively. The friction could discourage useful information sharing.
Circumvention
Those deliberately spreading misinformation can get around the measures by cutting and pasting content or using other workarounds.
Limited scope
The focus on just forwarded messages does not address misinformation spread through other means like WhatsApp groups, links or images.
Overall though, the pros seem to outweigh the cons for most ordinary users. But WhatsApp will likely need additional solutions to combat evolving misinformation tactics seen on its platform.
Conclusion
In summary, WhatsApp chose to make frequently forwarded messages appear black in order to visually alert users that content may be suspicious orcontain misinformation if it has been shared extensively. Early research indicates this design change, along with other forwarding limits put in place, have succeeded in dramatically reducing the virality of misinformation on WhatsApp. However, the platform will need to remain vigilant as those spreading misinformation adapt to find new loopholes. Going black on forwards appears to be an effective friction point for now in the ongoing battle against misinformation.