Technology
Updated : Mar 11, 2018, 06:50 AM IST
WhatsApp users were introduced to the new 'blue ticks' on Thursday that now show whether the individual you are sending messages to has really read your message or not. This new update in the app is generating a great deal of interest and disappointment at the same time amongst users, since the blue ticks imply that the sent message has been seen and read by the receiver, and there is no way of denying it with excuses like "I read it late" or "simply saw your message".
Earlier, many people interpreted one tick to mean that the message had been sent and two ticks that it had been read, although that was never the case. Before the latest update of this messaging app, one could undoubtedly overlook a message or ignore it after reading.
However, with the new addition to WhatsApp, it is impossible to ignore a message, even if you want to. While many users are jubilant to realise that they can pull up the recipient for not reacting to their messages despite reading them, an equal number of users don't appear to be truly content with this new move.
Vivek Prashar, a journalism student, tells us, "Honestly, I think it's irritating. If one is worried about finding out whether his/her contact has read their messages, the ideal way is to simply call that individual and ask. At times, you may be occupied with work, you may have read the message but not replied immediately, and the person who sent the message may find this impolite. It may make false impressions among individuals. The new update seems excessive. I could manage without it."
Another student, Ayushi Pankaj, says, " I find the new feature interesting. Now there will be no more usual explanations or excuses like, 'I didn't read that message of yours"' , as the sender has a way for knowing if his message has been read."
Here's how WhatsApp users reacted on Twitter to this latest update:
Two minute silence for people who ignore others by hiding their last seen. Blue tick on WhatsApp.
— ♕ اقصىا....♕ (@being_aqsaa) November 8, 2014
One little tick appears to your message. Then two. Then Blue. Then nothing. Your heart sinks. Your Message has been Ignored #whats_App
— A-man Chauhan (@amanchauhans) November 8, 2014
If you piss me off, I will 'blue-tick' you on WhatsApp.
— Anna Khayalan (@thekhayalan15) November 6, 2014
WhatsApp added a blue double tick so you can be sure you're being ignored.
— A. (@Abdellsalam) November 6, 2014
This Whatsapp blue tick thingy reminds me of BBM days where people were annoyed with the "R" tick.
— Izzati Taufek (@IzzatiTaufek) November 6, 2014