WhatsApp socializing-True or degenerated?

WhatsApp started in 2009 and has many updates since then. But this technology was meant to be a form of communication. It has many subscribers but has reached a state where it is overused, misused, and incorrectly used. In some, it has fallen to a degenerate level. 

WhatsApp and its initial purpose!

WhatsApp is a free mobile application from Facebook, the USA launched in 2009. It allows users to exchange text, documents, links, images, and other media. Voice messages can be transferred through it and one can also make voice and video calls. It is available on mobile phones and can also be accessed from desktop computers. Its primary aim was to exchange text and have free calls amongst close friends, family members, and also with business clients. Discussions in the form of chats were also possible. 

WhatsApp [Source: Wikipedia]

If properly used, this technology could have done wonders to the world. Besides, being a source of free and easy communication especially for the old and vulnerable group with restricted mobility, it could have served as a good place for discussions on some important topics be it related to personal life or business. But like any other new technology, WhatsApp has also ended up in getting overused, misused, incorrectly used, and also getting degenerated!!!

Overuse and misuse of the social media platform

The social media platform has some great uses but these have fallen in the background. A major part of this technology is not used in the way it was meant to be. This has happened especially in countries such as India where one can see people hanging on to the phones for hours together. Whether they are in public transport or walking, they are on the phone talking to some loved one on the other end. It is a good thing to be in touch with a loved one on phone, but overuse or unnecessary use is prohibited. One needs to set a limit on it and see the surroundings or situations around before dialling or continuing to talk with someone on the other end. Discussing on clothes or asking someone to show what he or she has worn via WhatsApp can best be left for use while at home and not in public!!!

WhatsApp [Source: WhatsApp]

Besides, COVID-19 has seen how WhatsApp could be used to send misleading information. During the pandemic, the use of this app increased by 40%. Messages such as the conspiracy theory of 5G and that 5G caused the pandemic was making rounds on the app. And the sad part is that WhatsApp can have close but invisible groups that are difficult to control. Hate messages proliferate in these groups and alienate them from the world. A feeling of suspicion on public institutions and some prominent people and their work is created with no proofs and it is quickly believed by the people in the group. This is risky and detrimental for a healthy society. 

Degeneration of the use of this platform

I am sure that many people would agree that the platform is being used in a degenerate form between friends. How many of you have felt that some or many of your friends sent you a good morning with an image and some message in the morning and after that nothing? Even if you ask some question in the day or share something with these people, either there is no answer or a delayed answer. I am sure that it is a common observation and experience of many WhatsApp users. This is what is DEGENERATION of the app use. I believe that the person sending such messages daily to many of them in his or her friend circle just feels a sense of achievement of having done it.

WhatsApp etiquettes [Source: ED Times]

But he or she might not necessarily be your true friend!!! So beware of such acceptance of WhatsApp messages! One needs to see to it that WhatsApp remains what its true purpose was meant to be-mainly to exchange some useful messages and maybe some humorous ones!