WhatsApp introduced new features but users might not be too excited about them. Find out how our team reacted to the updates!
If someone doesn’t have WhatsApp, it is quite likely we would right away consider them an alien. It is now as basic as having a phone. WhatsApp is a widely used messaging application used to send text messages, make voice and video calls, share images, videos, documents, and more, all through an internet connection. WhatsApp priorities user privacy and security and has become an integral part of modern communication, connecting people around the world with its user-friendly interface and cross-platform compatibility.
The now, Meta owned application has over the past couple of days launched new updates; mainly Channels and Community. These are the topic of discussion in all digital spheres right now. So what are they?
WhatsApp Channels
Channels is a simple and private way to receive updates from people and organizations within WhatsApp. It is in a new tab called updates where users will be able to find status and channels they could choose to follow. It is separate from your chats with family, friends, and communities. It is also rather specifically, a one-way broadcast tool for admins to send text, photos, videos and polls. Based on user’s hobbies ranging from sports team, local officials, your favorite celebrities, news, technology and more. You can also get access to a channel through invite links sent in chats, e-mail, or online.
WhatsApp Communities
On the other hand, Communities on WhatsApp is a new feature that allows you to sort multiple WhatsApp groups under a larger one known as community. You can create one for your company’s Finance, HR or Marketing groups. (Uh, yes we know its a horror story in the making) As if we needed the thin line disappearing even more. Anyway, back to communities, you can also create a community for family, friends, and colleagues. People can receive updates sent to the entire community and organize smaller discussion groups too with the ability to easily switch between multiple groups.
The feature can be accessed via the Communities tab at the top of chats on Android and the bottom on iOS, where users can start a new Community from scratch or add existing groups to a Community.
What Do WhatsApp Users Think Of The Update?
Our primary concerns were; Is WhatsApp losing its essence? Is it becoming too commercial and overwhelming? As the team was discussing the fresh updates, we had some interesting perspectives – many that you all will be able to relate to and also find insightful. Here is how Team FUCHSIA reacted to the updates:
Munsub:
Munsub was very clear: “It is definitely losing its essence. It is actually weird to see the channels next to the status feature. It leaves one confused for a second; app whatsApp he use karaye hain ya youtube pay agaye hain, ya instagram pay?
He now even has some beef with Mark Zuckerberg: “Mark is making it too commercial, bas jo marzi hai kar raha hai!“
Though he sneakily added the new chat lock feature is quite exciting!
Usvah:
Being a true Gen Z, it seems she doesn’t mind these new tech updates as much: “I don’t really mind it as long as I’m not forced to be in anything. You know like I have the option to follow the channels it’s not something I HAVE to do. It also could be good for not only businesses but also schools or universities like they could post their updates and connect, which would be more convenient for students in comparison to to their websites or Facebook etc.”
Hamza:
“Yes it is losing its essence because it is becoming too muddled now with so many unnecessary features.” Being a graphic designer, he sounded quite personally vested in the User Interface: “they are ruining the WhatsApp UI, it is becoming way too crowded, so much so you dont feel like using the app itself.”
“And considering how fast they are moving to become a more commercial app, it is quite possible they might just soon introduce WhatsApp payments in Pakistan too.” Hmm that was something we didn’t even think of, did you know of the WhatsApp payments feature available internationally?
Huzaifa:
Being a tech junkie, it seems he is not really bothered by new tech changes – he is probably immune to them now.
“No it doesn’t bother me because I am not following any channels or anything. Yes, WhatsApp is also becoming a commercial app now, we shouldn’t be too shell shocked if they soon charging subscriptions and money.”
With his ever sarcastic one liners: “Aisa na hou kay ab chats aur calls kay beech mai bhi 10 second kay ads aye.” UGH, we hope not Huzaifa, that would be horrid.
What is your take on these new updates? Are you for them or absolutely find them useless and annoying? Is WhatsApp now losing its lowkey essence in a bid to compete with all the other big social media applications?
