Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.

MacRumors

macrumors bot
Original poster
Apr 12, 2001
65,619
34,218


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.

whatsapp-status-user-tagging.jpg

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
 

JustSomebody12

macrumors 6502
Mar 16, 2020
354
378
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
 
  • Like
Reactions: wanha

CarAnalogy

macrumors 603
Jun 9, 2021
5,013
9,075
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!
 

LowKeyed

macrumors member
May 27, 2011
82
191
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. :D
 

TigerNike23

macrumors 6502a
Feb 13, 2017
961
2,263
Fort Myers, FL
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

macrumors 6502
Mar 26, 2023
282
358
What the hell is a "Status update"?

I receive an app, I reply. Or I don't. That's it, Meta. Accept it.
 
  • Like
Reactions: iCyprus

CarAnalogy

macrumors 603
Jun 9, 2021
5,013
9,075
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. :D

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

macrumors regular
Mar 5, 2024
115
192
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.
 
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.