The appeal of WhatsApp is simply that everyone already has it. It's the only messaging platform that can be used to message all your contacts. Network effect, that's it.
In the Netherlands it was the platform that was easy to install and didn't cost money per message. SMS was pretty expensive back then. Whatsapp quickly became the defacto messaging app. The word "whatsapping" even replaced "sms'ing". At this point in time you need Whatsapp (Or Messenger when you don't have their number yet)
The only time I get an SMS now is for specific multi-factor authentications or automated updates from companies. A lot of businesses even do their live support through Whatsapp now.
The fact that an SMS costs money is a feature. That way people will think twice before they SMS you. Free communications is only great if you have infinite time to communicate, as the cost of a bit approaches zero the quantity of bits goes up considerably. Things that before would have been fine to save up until you meet again now need to be sent instantly, and need to receive an instant response as well otherwise there will be a bunch of 'did you get my message' messages to follow up on the first one.
I prefer a slight barrier before I'm interrupted and don't mind paying the cost of sending a message. On top of that I don't like non-regulated foreign companies looking over my shoulder. That this is a non-standard pattern I'm well aware of but it suits me just fine.
I agree to a point. The barrier is something I miss sometimes. Because people will be asking something, and then start spamming question marks after 5 minutes.
If you're on a pre-paid plan then SMS doesn't just cost money. It's actually a finite amount you can send before you need to up it. Whereas Whatsapp can function on WiFi. So that can be a big deal if you have urgency.
> I don't like non-regulated foreign companies looking over my shoulder
I mean sure. You have to trust Facebook that the end-to-end encryption has no backdoors. But SMS is known for being intercepted really easyily.
What about just “apping” is that a word? On a business trip earlier this year my colleague told me (in English) “I’ll meet you down at the bar after apping with my daughter.”
Now that I think about it I’m not sure if “apping” implies texting, voice call, or video call. Lol
Almost everyone has it. I do not want to use WhatsApp, but in The Netherlands it is nearly impossible to go without it (although it seems you do ;)).
E.g. the parents of our daughter's class uses a WhatsApp group. You can decide not to join it, but you will miss out on all kinds of activities people plan together for kids, school-related messages, etc.
Similarly, our larger family uses a WhatsApp group to stay in touch, coordinate our the bi-yearly family outing, etc.
And this goes on and on, basically everyone communicates through WhatsApp groups. If you do not join them, you miss out on a lot of social activities, etc.
I wish WhatsApp just stayed independent and charged $1 per year, which they did irregularly before they were bought by Facebook.
