People now have several different options for messaging cute guys, friends, family, professors, and colleagues besides sending standard SMS text messages.
Facebook messenger was once all the rage for easily chatting with people on your friends list, but now WhatsApp is becoming the latest trend.
WhatsApp allows you to chat with anyone – from anywhere – free of charge as long as you have an internet connection.
Since so many people have turned to messaging on WhatsApp instead of sending text messages, you may wonder which one is really better.
WhatsApp is better than text messaging because it’s free of charge and more secure.
Most customers prefer WhatsApp over texting due to its user interface and versatility.
You only need an internet connection, a phone number, and a compatible device to send messages on WhatsApp. However, many businesses continue to prefer using SMS text messages.
Although most people prefer using WhatsApp, standard text messages haven’t yet been left behind.
There are some situations where it’s better to send a text message. Even some guys would rather be sent a text message, so don’t stop texting just yet!
Personal preference plays a huge role in determining the better method of sending messages.
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Why WhatsApp is preferred
You may be too young to remember when SMS text messages first came out, but suddenly everyone started sending text messages to each other instead of picking up the phone and dialing numbers – except for the older generation, who watched in bewilderment.
So, it’s easy to assume that WhatsApp is preferred simply because it’s the latest trend.
While that may very well play a role in the sudden popularity of WhatsApp, consumers have identified several other reasons why they would rather send messages through WhatsApp than SMS.
WhatsApp is free of charge
Unless you have unlimited talk and text, you may be charged for sending text messages.
But WhatsApp is completely free to use – even if you are sending messages internationally.
OK, you may not be super-close to your British friends on social media or have the hots for a super attractive guy from Australia, so this may not be a huge selling point for you.
But everyone has heard the phrase “standard text messaging and data rates apply” and if you text frequently and aren’t on an unlimited mobile phone plan, WhatsApp is a more affordable alternative.
Of course, you still have data charges to worry about, but you can easily resolve that issue by connecting to home or public WiFi.
WhatsApp is more secure
If you have good anti-virus protection on your devices and identity theft insurance, you probably won’t think twice about sending text messages.
Most people know enough to not click on unknown links, but hackers and scammers are steadily improving their methods of obtaining your information.
Now, this certainly doesn’t mean that you should be afraid of sending text messages.
People do it every day, and many companies verify your identity by texting a code to the cell phone number on file. And, for the most part, this is safe.
But WhatsApp is even safer. They use end-to-end encryption to prevent messages from being read by unscrupulous people while in transit, whereas text messages are unencrypted.
WhatsApp is more versatile
WhatsApp allows you to send pictures and videos in your chat, and you can even create a group chat to get several people in on the conversation, which is a great option for major group projects.
Now, you can also do many of these things via text message or even on Facebook messenger, but the overall user experience is improved on WhatsApp, and many additional features are offered, including video and voice calling.
WhatsApp has essentially mimicked many of the SMS features that you have come to love – at a lower cost and on a more secure platform.
But if you really want to know what makes WhatsApp so versatile, it’s that it still works if your phone doesn’t have a SIMS card!
WhatsApp is easy to use
WhatsApp is for everyone. You don’t even need a SIMS card or cellular service to use WhatsApp. All you need is an internet connection and a compatible device.
So, if your cell phone is disconnected or you lose your SIMS card, you can still contact people on WhatsApp simply by connecting your device to WiFi.
But that may be a moot point. Sure, times are tough, but your cell phone bill is one thing that will definitely be paid one way or another.
Then again, there are services, such as TextNow, that have gained popularity by offering people a way to still make calls and send messages in the absence of cell service and providing an alternative to giving out your cell phone number to everyone.
However, WhatsApp offers more features and better security than TextNow.
Also, people add you to WhatsApp chats using your cell number or email, so you have some idea as to who you are talking to.
When you should still use text messages
WhatsApp is pretty cool, huh? And most people prefer using WhatsApp over sending text messages, so this is a trend that you’ll definitely want to join in on.
However, text messages aren’t going anywhere. As a matter of fact, there are some situations where texting is preferable- or may even be your only option.
Business communications
While you may think that businesses would automatically hop on the WhatsApp bandwagon, this hasn’t been the case so far.
For instance, doctors’ offices still send appointment reminders via text message, and it’s doubtful that any apps or services have requested to verify your WhatsApp account. No, they still verify through text and email.
Since text messages are unencrypted, businesses may eventually begin using WhatsApp, but most haven’t gotten that far yet.
Now, you can probably start a WhatsApp group at work or school to collaborate on team projects. But you will still need to use text messaging or email for most business communications.
Texting a new guy
Although guys are just as tech-savvy as girls, they tend to fall behind when it comes to communication.
If you think about it, guys don’t talk to their buddies on the phone for hours. It’s usually a quick text message followed by meeting up somewhere.
They’ll usually only engage in long conversations with a girl that they are really into.
So, when you are initially connecting with a new guy, it’s best to shoot him a regular old text message as he definitely has SMS on his phone.
Then, you can ask him if he uses WhatsApp and is cool with switching the conversations over to that platform.
Texting your mom
Or anyone from the older generation, for that matter. While most older adults are pretty tech-savvy nowadays, many are still reluctant to embrace changes.
When the internet and cell phones were first developed, many people still insisted on using home phone service, card catalogs, paper bills, and mail-in applications.
And, surprisingly, some still do.
Now, your parents are probably perfectly capable of downloading and using WhatsApp, but they may not see the point because texting works just fine.
And the reality is that some people will continue to prefer sending SMS text messages.
Just because WhatsApp is trending doesn’t mean that everyone is going to download it. Sometimes you may need to just bite your tongue and send a text message.
