For casual conversations between friends, business negotiations and even professional issues, WhatsApp has become the most widely used communication tool in the world. worldand meet the countless needs of the population.
The application is free and compatible with mobile devices and computers, which has greatly increased its popularity, making it practically indispensable in the routine of Brazilians.
However, the ease of access and use of the app has raised questions about Privacy of users, prompting many to look for ways to remain “invisible” on WhatsApp to avoid unwanted interactions.
How does privacy work on WhatsApp?
In addition to sending text messages, WhatsApp allows users to share photos, videos, and documents – Photo: Reproduction/WhatsApp
Unlike other Meta-owned social media platforms, such as Facebook and Instagram, WhatsApp takes a more discreet approach to its users' online availability.
The only direct way to know if someone is active or not to request This is done through the “Online” sign that appears below the contact’s name during the conversation.
This simple approach may seem restrictive to those who want to check the availability of a specific person without starting a conversation.
Furthermore, the display of this status may be affected by connection instability or user-selected privacy settings.
Reasons why it is impossible to view status online
Depending on the application, there are several reasons that may prevent the user's Internet connection status from being displayed, including:
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Absence of previous interactions.
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If your number is not saved on the other person's device;
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If you have been blocked by her.
WhatsApp also highlights this, even when set Settings Privacy Policy Other people can see that you are writing a message in the chat.
Determine your online presence
Know exactly when your friends and family are available to chat – Image: Reproduction/iPhone Blog
For users who want to monitor their contacts' online activity more actively, there are additional tools, especially useful for those who use WhatsApp Web.
One of them is the WA Web Plus extension for WhatsAppwhich is available for Google Chrome and other browsers, such as Microsoft Edge.
After installing the extension and accessing WhatsApp Web, users can activate notifications to see when specific contacts are online, which is an easy way to stay informed about the availability of friends or co-workers.
Precautions
It is important to highlight that while these features provide convenience, they also raise concerns about online privacy and security.
Meta, the company behind WhatsApp, warns of the dangers of using unauthorized third-party applications or browser extensions.
Associated risks include the possibility of being banned from the platform and weaknesses in personal data security.
Therefore, although curiosity to know if someone is available is understandable, it is necessary to weigh the benefits and potential risks and respect the rules of safe and responsible use of technology.
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