WhatsApp yea or nay?

I’m another fan of WhatsApp. I am on several group chats and don’t find them annoying, just ignore messages if I’m not interested.
I especially like being able to share lively banter with family during the week. My teenage GD ‘speaks’ to me more on WhatsApp than she does FF 🤣. That’s fine by me for now - anything to keep the lines of communication open during her difficult teenage years.
My DILs parents refuse to use WhatsApp (or FB messenger) which seems a shame as they live 250 miles away and as my DIL says it would be nice to be able to easily share photos and videos of their growing grandchildren especially as they only able to see them 2 or 3 times a year.

I don’t use WhatsApp, because we have all our family chat groups on Facebook Messenger, which offers the same functions, also free, you can send photos, etc. you can also be on Messenger but not on Facebook.

Doesn’t WhatsApp ‘own’ FB Messenger (or vice versa) so it’s the ‘same difference’ ………… or have I got this wrong. ?
I use both.

No, they are separate, although both are owned by Meta, as is Instagram.

Despite a few minor inconveniences already mentioned on here, the main appeal is that it’s free for calls, text messages and for sending pictures.

All of my family and friends are on it so I’m always a bit surprised if I get a text from a friend which hasn’t come via WhatsApp!

Having being locked from Facebook I now don’t seem to be able to sign up to Instagram. Are they linked?

No, although they are both owned by Meta, Instagram has no other links with Facebook, it’s run by a different company.

Use it for family, friends, NWR, Bookgroup and Neighbourhood. I find it very useful..

Witzend

Mine is just for family and a few, very close friends. I wouldn’t be without it.

Forgot to add, and for the free phone call facility! Among others, I regularly have long talks with a sister in the US, and a friend in Sweden.

Yes, you can call for free on Facebook Messenger too, and do group chats live - we use it a lot when we’re arranging family get togethers. I think which one you use is down to which one most of your friends and relatives use, I’d guess not many people use both, as they do the same thing.

I love What's App only for friends and family though. Great for chatting phoning and video calls from all over world.

Just looked up the difference (because I don't use Facebook I wouldn't know).

*WhatsApp prioritizes privacy (with default end-to-end encryption) and is built around phone numbers for straightforward, direct communication. It's often seen as a more private and secure alternative to traditional SMS.
* Facebook Messenger is more integrated into the broader Facebook social network, offering a wide array of social features, games, and integrations, but with less emphasis on default end-to-end encryption.

The choice between them often comes down to individual priorities: privacy and simplicity (WhatsApp) versus a richer games and feature set and full social network integration (Facebook Messenger).

I suppose if you just want a call, message, video and image mechanism then WhatsApp may be better but if you want a social network integration where you can see everything about someone and be more fully involved the Messenger system may suit you.

I think WhatsApp suits me as I can select exactly what is shared with who...
No idea how this works with Messenger.
If you have someone in your Messenger chat thingy can they see all your photos for example?

No, only the people in the specific Messenger group that you’re posting on can see anything you post NotSpaghetti, including photos and links. Nothing is visible on your Facebook page, either the public page or to any different groups you’re part of on Facebook.

So do you have to log in to Facebook to use Messenger?

No, it’s a separate app on your phone.

m.facebook.com/help/messenger-app/basic/117818065545664#:~:text=You'll%20need%20to%20create,how%20to%20keep%20using%20Messenger.
Here is how to deactivate a Facebook account but still use Messenger, I know some people who have done this.

NotSpaghetti

So do you have to log in to Facebook to use Messenger?

Now I’m locked out of Facebook I can’t use messenger either. I’m in a complete mess with it all.

So maybe you do have to be logged in - but not necessarily using it, MayBee?

I really like it for family and friends, also for our book group.
But I have one friend who always calls on the video part. I do NOT want to be looked at without warning, if I've been cooking or something.

Love WhatsApp got family friends and groups on mine

Yes, yes and yes!

Belong to various groups, social and family and friends.

Keep in touch with various people countrywide and internationally, exchange photos and tips.

I love it!

I mute most notifications.

My children and I have been using it for ages. Mainly sharing photos and jokes, or asking for lifts for grandchildren. I'm also in a group with 3 very old friends, which we use as a quick and easy way of organising outings. My U3A painting group has started a WhatsApp group which is mainly used when people aren't going to be able to get to a session.