WhatsApp Introduces User Tagging in Status Updates

[MacRumors]

WhatsApp is rolling out a new feature that allows users to tag other people in their Status updates, further enhancing the platform's Instagram Stories-like functionality. The addition aims to make it easier for users to connect with friends and family on the popular messaging app.

The new tagging feature enables users to mention up to five other WhatsApp accounts in their Status updates. When tagged, these users will receive a private notification and have the option to reshare the Status on their own account. WhatsApp says it has built in privacy controls, allowing users to tag someone without explicitly displaying their name in the Status.

In addition to tagging, WhatsApp is also introducing a "like" feature for Status updates. Similar to Instagram Stories, users can now react to their friends' Status posts with a single tap, providing a quick way to acknowledge the content without sending a full message.

"WhatsApp Status is the best way to stay connected with friends and family and now we're making it even better," the Meta-owned company said in a blog post. "With status likes, private mentions and the ability to reshare a status you're mentioned in, we're making it easier to reach the people who matter most."

The Status updates come on the heels of new video call effects, including filters and custom backgrounds, that were announced by WhatsApp earlier this week.

The effects allow users to apply 10 different filters and choose from 10 background options during video calls. Both the Status tagging feature and the new video call effects are rolling out to all WhatsApp users globally over the coming weeks.

Article Link: WhatsApp Introduces User Tagging in Status Updates

 

[Mrkevinfinnerty]

pls stop. Just stop.

 

[RedTheReader]

Perhaps I should finally join. My relatives have been asking me to do so on and off for years.

 

[farkingdom]

And more than a decade later, WhatsApp iPad is still missing

 

[GuilleA]

OMFG just leave WhatsApp be for messages only, this Instagramification seems idiotic.

 

[Smartuser]

The plural of ❤️ is ❤️s, not "❤️'s".

 

[tyr2]

I can't recall anyone ever setting their status to anything other than whatever they chose when they first signed up. Who gives a crap about someone's WhatsApp status??

 

[lamerica80]

Why the obsession of bloating this app, I will never understand.

 

[alpercck]

The ridiculous things WhatsApp is dealing with while we are still waiting for the iPad app to be released

 

[wanha]

OMFG just leave WhatsApp be for messages only, this Instagramification seems idiotic.

imo the likeliest explanation for this is Meta's never-ending worry of losing the younger demographics of the market, hence the need to keep introducing social media-like functionality to WA

 

[JustSomebody12]

likeliest explanation for this is Meta's never-ending worry of losing the teenage segment of the market

They are worried because the DMA will force them to let users chat with people on other app.
Which means that some people may become unreliant on WhatsApp

 

[B4U]

Didn't have to change a thing...
Lost me when they forced the data sharing with FailBook.

 

[DBZmusicboy01]

Making things more complicated is not good at all. Keep it for Instagram only and stop making it like the Facebook.

 

[bob24]

And more than a decade later, WhatsApp iPad is still missing

This ...

And in the meantime all their resources have been spent on bloating the mobile App with features than no-one asked for and almost no-one is using!

 

[bob24]

Didn't have to change a thing...
Lost me when they forced the data sharing with FailBook.

I wish I could dump WhatsApp (I was never a fan), but unfortunately where I live if you're not on WhatsApp you are cutting yourself off too many communication groups.

 

[.wojtek]

meta is on the mission to turn nice app inti insta-crap...

the reason I use WhatsApp it a becase I can chat and don't deal with dumb "status updates" FFS...

 

[CarAnalogy]

OMFG just leave WhatsApp be for messages only, this Instagramification seems idiotic.

This is happening to so many services and I don't get it. Is it that the kids really like this and use it? Or is it just more corporate marketing research showing that the kids like Stories so we need a Story too or we'll be late on Stories!

 

[Macalicious2011]

The ridiculous things WhatsApp is dealing with while we are still waiting for the iPad app to be released

Can't wait for whatsapp to become. 3GB app that takes 5 seconds to load.

 

[Mrkevinfinnerty]

OMFG just leave WhatsApp be for messages only, this Instagramification seems idiotic.

Slowly turning this into Facebook lite 😭

 

[LowKeyed]

This is happening to so many services and I don't get it. Is it that the kids really like this and use it? Or is it just more corporate marketing research showing that the kids like Stories so we need a Story too or we'll be late on Stories!

It is to drive engagement / usage. The more you get feedback on your activities, the more likely you are to continue to use the service and hopefully (for Meta at least) increase your usage. The more information/usage they are able to view/record the easier it is to monetize that information. And while in WA, they don't have access to the content of your messages, they do retain all the data associated with the message, such as locations, who's getting it, when it was sent, etc... They can couple that information with other known details to improve there profile of you, which makes it easier to monetize your actives.

There is a large body of work that documents the "Dopamine Release and Reward System" response to attention being paid to your online activities. This forum uses it, it's why you can like a person's post and you get notified that someone reacted to your post on the top of the screen, which gives you a little rush, which keeps you coming back for more.

It is all part of the process to create an addiction.

Ok, I'll remove my tin foil hat now. 😀

 

[B4U]

I wish I could dump WhatsApp (I was never a fan), but unfortunately where I live if you're not on WhatsApp you are cutting yourself off too many communication groups.

That is simply a toxic relationship which needs to be ended quickly.

 

[TigerNike23]

Maybe it’s because I’m an American and Meta is viewed differently here… but I would never trust Meta with my personal messages. I don’t care how many times they tell me it’s encrypted, I don’t believe them.

 

[Hank001]

What the hell is a "Status update"?

I receive an app, I reply. Or I don't. That's it, Meta. Accept it.

 

[CarAnalogy]

It is to drive engagement / usage. The more you get feedback on your activities, the more likely you are to continue to use the service and hopefully (for Meta at least) increase your usage. The more information/usage they are able to view/record the easier it is to monetize that information. And while in WA, they don't have access to the content of your messages, they do retain all the data associated with the message, such as locations, who's getting it, when it was sent, etc... They can couple that information with other known details to improve there profile of you, which makes it easier to monetize your actives.

There is a large body of work that documents the "Dopamine Release and Reward System" response to attention being paid to your online activities. This forum uses it, it's why you can like a person's post and you get notified that someone reacted to your post on the top of the screen, which gives you a little rush, which keeps you coming back for more.

It is all part of the process to create an addiction.

Ok, I'll remove my tin foil hat now. 😀

Yeah that's totally true. Many of the people who helped create it have spoken out against it. Their protests weren't a Trending Story You're Going to Totally Miss Out On so not many people read it.

 

[ellpee]

The plural of ❤️ is ❤️s, not "❤️'s".

The apostrophe is there to separate the “s” from the emoji not for grammatical reasons, it’s the same with CD, DVD, etc. Either way is fine, CDs or CD’s.