Jump directly to the content
NOT APPY

I’m fed up with terrible WhatsApp changes but the latest is so bad I want to quit – I’m scared to even open the app

Users recently slammed the replacement for "typing..." and WhatsApp just keeps going with unwanted tweaks, Jamie Harris writes
WhatsApp app on a phone screen next to a headshot of a man.

WHAT'S up with WhatsApp at the moment?

The world's most popular messaging service has billions of users but I'm on the verge of deleting it for good if tech giant Meta continues to add features no-one really wants.

Do we really need to know how many are online in a group?
2
Do we really need to know how many are online in a group?Credit: Jamie Harris / The Sun
If it ain't broke, don't fix it
2
If it ain't broke, don't fix itCredit: Millie Turner / The Sun

My mum gleefully warned me this week that she could now see how many people are online in the often swamped family group chats.

This latest disastrous test shows a counter at the top of group chats revealing exactly how many within the group are currently online.

A few years back I made the decision to switch off every possible means of being "watched" on WhatsApp, deactivating the "last seen" and ending dreaded "read receipts".

Why? I'm not just some 34-year-old grump - I'm so fed up with being constantly on and available in this relentless digital hungry world.

Read more about WhatsApp

WHATSAPP WARNING

WhatsApp users warned of 'scary' message affecting everyone this Christmas

WHAT NOT

WhatsApp will STOP WORKING on three iPhones very soon - check yours now

Before, I dared to go on WhatsApp to answer one pressing message while leaving others waiting and got asked why I was ignoring them for so long, so decided enough is enough and changed the settings.

Sure, maybe I should just care less but it was bothersome so I locked everything down.

Now WhatsApp is testing an "online counter" for groups, I fear it'll just be another way to keep tabs on when I'm around.

I can picture it now: "Five of you are online but no one has responded?"

Most read in Phones & Gadgets

Apple's secret list of best iPhone apps and games for 2024 finally revealed
TAP PRIZE!

Apple's secret list of best iPhone apps and games for 2024 finally revealed

Huge iPhone update is FINALLY out - the best trick is hidden in your Photos app
JUICY APPLE

Huge iPhone update is FINALLY out - the best trick is hidden in your Photos app

iPhone owners must update NOW ahead of major iOS shake-up expected this week
CLOSE CALL

iPhone owners must update NOW ahead of major iOS shake-up expected this week

Fire Stick owners streaming TV illegally issued warning over hidden SPY danger
FIRED UP

Fire Stick owners streaming TV illegally issued warning over hidden SPY danger

And this all comes just weeks after WhatsApp randomly decided to move the "typing..." message that was perfectly fine at the top of the screen to the bottom with an animated speech bubble.

Loads of people have been online complaining that it's "annoying" and I couldn't agree more.

WhatsApp's New Username & PIN Features: Enhanced Privacy Explained

Whatever happened to "if it ain't broke, don't fix it"?

Maybe it's time for me to give up on WhatsApp and switch back to the humble text message.

Best WhatsApp tips and hacks

Wondering how to get the most out of WhatsApp? Read on to find out about all the hidden features, tips and hacks for the social media platform...

Topics
YOU MIGHT LIKE
RECOMMENDED FOR YOU
MORE FOR YOU