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WhatsApp used to be one of my favorite apps. Now, I can't stand it | Digital Trends
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this post was submitted on 05 Nov 2023
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privacy
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Signal has missed it's shot, gave up SMS and focuses on emojis and other similar updates instead of improving the quality of the app.
I have been blocked from messaging a person on signal for years, I send a message and they can't get it and same for them. We have updated the security number between us, reinstalled and changed phones but they've never provided a reason for why it could happen.
You also have to open the gallery to send two pics instead of being able to select multiple.
The majority of the potential user are outside the US. They would have to maintain the sms feature for this market. The grow is elsewhere with their use of the app.
Signal has it's share of problems. But those look to be technical problems, not intentional design malice. So I'll stick with glitchy Signal until something better rolls around.
I'm not sure what you mean by "gave up on SMS." What were they supposed to do with SMS (which is an outdated protocol anyways)? I get the small convenience of sending all your messages from one app (Signal), but I also understand the justification and wanting to prevent confusion about texting Signal-encrypted messages vs. SMS messages from the same app.
I can't speak to the whole blocking thing, but it sounds like an extremely unique, isolated instance.
Seems like a very minor UX issue that can be fixed and is not worth sending unencrypted messages for.
Also: Saying Signal "missed its shot" is very cynical and absolutist, which in turn can make people feel hopeless about getting their digital privacy back and taking back at lest some control of their lives, which doesn't exactly advance the values of the privacy community.
I like and support digital privacy but the fact is I've been using signal for the better part of a decade and with the exception of my partner, who I encouraged to use it with, and my sister who for some unique reason I can't, I have one contact in my phone book who I can use signal with.
Having missed it's shot is not an indictment of the technology but rather it's application in the signal app. They priortise weird shite like upgrading emojis and adding stories instead of addressing issues that would impact growth.
The people who want these features are not the people who will use a niche messaging app, it's better to add these features after significantly more growth.