online messaging app essay

• The Use Of Online Messaging Apps Essay

The Use of Online Messaging Apps Essay

Online messaging apps are those apps which allow one to send and receive a message instantly. Popular messaging apps include Telegram, WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, Google Chats, WeChat and Viber. They come with multiple features like location sharing, contact sharing, photo sharing, document sharing, and video and audio calls. These messaging apps can be installed on your smartphone, tablet or laptop for free.

If we look into the current communication trends, texting has become popular among all generations. It has surpassed phone calls and is most popular among millennials. The reason might be it is free of cost and has all the features essential for communication purposes. These messaging apps help people engage in multiple conversations, and also they can form groups such as family groups, friends groups, tuition groups, office groups, etc.

How Messaging Apps Evolved?

During the 1990s, these messaging apps came to the mainstream, helping people connect in real-time. But, at that time, these apps were not so popular and were used just as messaging tools. Through these apps, we could not send links, videos, images, or locations.

But, over the years, with the advancement in technology, messaging apps have been transformed into a platform from just a messaging tool. Multiple messaging apps are easily accessible with various features like sending photos, live locations, and attaching documents, videos or links. So, online messaging apps are in great demand in the current form of communication. These apps revolutionised the entire communication process and how people communicate.

The top three messaging apps by the number of users are WhatsApp – with 2 billion users; Facebook Messenger – with 1.3 billion users; and WeChat, with 1.12 billion users.

Advantages of Online Messaging Apps

Online messaging apps come with enormous advantages. One of the main advantages of these apps is that people can connect instantly even if they don’t live in the same place. These messaging apps can be used for work and business purposes too.

Online messaging apps are one of the standard platforms for marketing purposes. Nowadays, most companies use these platforms for marketing their products, offers, etc. You might have seen that companies send messages through WhatsApp about their business. These messaging apps can be accessed free of cost.

Even inside the corporate world, office colleagues use these messaging apps to send and reply to messages. They can also conduct team meetings online without physical presence and send work reports and updates. Any team member or manager out of the office for a business trip can connect with their colleagues through these messaging apps. Managers can create team members groups so that all can share their ideas, ask for help and get regular work updates.

People can also start their online businesses through these messaging apps. They can talk to their vendors and can display their products. Online messaging apps like WhatsApp also provide a platform for money transfers.

Disadvantages of Online Messaging Apps

Along with the advantages, there are disadvantages to using online messaging apps. We can’t perfectly understand the other person’s emotional state and can’t recognise with whom we are talking. After the invention of these messaging apps, face-to-face interaction and personal experience have come down.

When we communicate through these messaging apps, there are chances of miscommunication because of typos or the inability to make the other person understand our thoughts or feelings. During a face-to-face interaction, people show some etiquette, but during an online conversation, people don’t feel the need to use the appropriate netiquette.

Conclusion of The Use Of Online Messaging Apps Essay

With the wide variety of different online messaging apps for desktops, laptops, and smartphones, people should be vigilant in protecting themselves from malicious and dangerous threats that may present themselves.

We hope you found this essay on the use of online messaging apps useful. For more such interesting CBSE Essays , check BYJU’S. You can also find study materials and resources like worksheets, solutions and question papers to prepare for the exams.

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Messaging Apps: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

Published: May 31, 2018

A decade ago, social media sites were promotion channels that served as a path between users and the poster’s site. The borders between different sites were fluid — people would discover content on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn, then click through to content (usually hosted on another site). 

Today, it's no longer enough to create a piece of content for your own site, then schedule promotion across channels that point back to that content.

Algorithm changes and shifts in the way people choose to communicate mean that marketers are starting to see the need to invest in multi-channel marketing. For many, this means adopting messaging apps.

What Is a Messaging App? 

A messaging app is a chat application or platform that enables users to instant message and connect with each other through their computers or mobile devices. Think Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp, WeChat, or Slack (just to name a few). 

In 2015, sources such as Time began reporting that the attention span of the average online consumer had shrunk to less than that of a goldfish.

While the science behind this claim has largely been debunked , the theory itself is compelling.

In a device-dependent age, where consumers are bombarded with endless information, distraction, and content, it seems intuitive that time is one of our most valuable resources.

And like all resources, time is something people don't like to waste it. 

Messaging apps allow you to connect and engage your customers in real time. In some cases, messaging apps even help you respond to your potential leads, prospects, and customers instantaneously.

The speed of this communication channel will almost always outpace that seen on other channels, such as email or phone.

Familiarity 

Businesses began to send emails to prospects and customers after people had adopted it as a channel to connect with their friends and family. Likewise, businesses only adopted GIFs and emojis in their social posts, emails, and on their websites after their audiences had started using GIFs and emojis as a way to communicate with one another.

Nowadays, people send messages to one another to discuss just about everything.  The audience on Facebook is significant and there are already 70 million business pages currently on Facebook. And yet, only 20 million businesses send Facebook messages. This is a huge gap in the total addressable market, and it shows that most businesses just haven’t arrived yet. When they do, we’ll see incredible momentum in adoption because of consumers’ pre-existing familiarity with the channel.  

Convenience

Messaging apps can be seamlessly blended into your everyday workflow. You can reach out or answer an inquiry from any device, close the app, and return to whatever you were doing.  Then, whenever the other party is available to respond, they will  —  and then you can take your turn. 

The one-to-one nature of the channel is extremely convenient for both businesses and consumers, as it allows both parties to have complete context into the conversation and continue the thread as they see fit.

Industry Forces

Two changes are happening in the market that will increase business’ adoption of messaging apps like Facebook Messenger in 2018. The first is the push away from traditional marketing channels like email or social media.

The Gmail tab has made it difficult for marketing emails to surface in your contact’s inboxes. Regulations like GDPR, CAN-SPAM, and CASL make the email space even more difficult to navigate.

On the flip side, organic reach has declined year-over-year. The average organic reach for posts on Facebook is about 2% , and that window of opportunity is expected to continue to decline even further.

The second force at work is a general pull for businesses to adopt messaging apps. Facebook continues to invest heavily in Messenger, for example.  Slack recently released integrations with  companies like HubSpot  (learn more here ) to help businesses communicate more effectively internally and externally. 

As messaging apps become easier for businesses to adopt and incorporate, the steadier the  growth and migration to the channels will be over time. 

Messaging apps enable you to communicate with your website visitors in live time, but it comes with a catch.

How much automation will you use?

A good bot takes time to build. Live chat communication requires your team to be available for your customers. And not all platforms are suited to fit your needs.  The short and simple is that all messaging apps require a certain degree of your resources, and you may need to weigh the pros and cons of each to vet which one fits the exact needs of you, your business, and your audience. 

Start by asking questions like:

• How much budget do I have for a messaging app?
• What segment of visitors would this be the most impactful for?
• How many people need to monitor this channel? Would a bot be more effective for what I'm trying to accomplish?

I n a   recent HubSpot study , 8 0% of respondents said they’d stopped doing business with a company because of a poor customer experience.  If your customers are dissatisfied, they can — and will — switch to another provider. 

It can be frustrating when a company sets expectations and isn't able to live up to that promise. For this reason, you want to make sure you have the proper number of people responding the messages. 

If your team is multi-tasking, consider using automatic follow messages that set clear expectations about when the user will hear back. If you are using a messaging app and notice that the same questions or interactions keep popping up, consider investing in a simple bot. This can help delight visitors by offering quick responses to their FAQs and segmenting more sensitive or unique questions to the correct member of your team.  

• How will we communicate our brand voice and tone over this channel?

Gifs and emoji are great for quickly and informally communicating ideas or emotions. But brand voice and tone go beyond effective use of visuals or quippy copy.

Training your team members to chat in a manner that aligns with your company's vision, mission, and impact is key. This creates alignment between the copy on your website and the experience your team is providing through messaging.  The same goes for if you choose to incorporate a chatbot to your messaging app to add a layer of automation.

As Becca Krass from Salesforce  says,

"Every interaction is an opportunity to wow your customers."

Messaging apps bring you that much closer to creating delight in every conversation. 

Want to learn more about the elements of a strong conversational strategy for your messaging app and bot? Learn more with this inbound Marketing lesson . 

The Ugly 

Have you tried to list all the messaging apps recently? There are quite a few: 

• Facebook Messenger
• Skype 

Each messaging app has its own demographic of users based on age, regions, and range of in-app features.

So where do you start?

It can take time, money, and resources to get messaging for your business up and running. Especially in countries that have multiple large messaging apps vying for monthly active users, it can be difficult to determine which one will drive the most impact. 

What can you do?

In those situations, start small with the messaging apps you introduce to your site and communications. And be prepared to remove a messaging experience if it's not showcasing impact over time.

Your buyer personas can help point you in the right direction and which app to start with, but sometimes knowing the preferred messaging experience is not intuitive. Experimentation, especially in the early stages of implementing messaging, is going to help you ensure you're not overcommitting to a tool or platform that doesn't pay off in the long run. 

Another area to consider with messaging apps is data protection.  But one the biggest advantages to messaging is you can collect information on someone in a way that's natural — conversationally. If you are using a messaging app to collect personal data, especially in the wake of legal frameworks like GDPR , it's important to know where and if it's being stored elsewhere and how to ensure you're compliant with laws protecting your audience.  

Looking to learn more about GDPR compliance and how that impacts your usage of apps like Facebook Messenger? Learn how with the HubSpot GDPR Playbook here. 

Disclaimer: This blog post is not legal advice for your company to use in complying with EU data privacy laws like the GDPR. Instead, it provides background information to help you better understand the GDPR. This legal information is not the same as legal advice, where an attorney applies the law to your specific circumstances, so we insist that you consult an attorney if you’d like advice on your interpretation of this information or its accuracy. In a nutshell, you may not rely on this as legal advice or as a recommendation of any particular legal understanding. 

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• Mobile Connectivity in Emerging Economies
• 1. Use of smartphones and social media is common across most emerging economies

Table of Contents

• 2. Majorities say mobile phones are good for society, even amid concerns about their impact on children
• 3. People say the internet brings economic and educational benefits – but some are concerned about the societal impact of social media
• Acknowledgments
• Methodology
• Appendix A: About the focus groups
• Appendix B: Compiled usage figures
• Appendix C: Detailed tables

Large majorities in the 11 emerging and developing countries surveyed either own or share a mobile phone, and in every country it is much more common to own one’s own phone than to share it with someone else. In seven of these countries, half or more now use smartphones – and smartphone use is especially common among younger and more educated groups.

Meanwhile, access to tablets or computers is rarer. In only one country – Lebanon – does a majority (57%) have access to a working desktop, laptop or tablet computer in their household, and mobile devices play a prominent role in how people access the internet and their social networks in many of these nations. 6

Most adults say they own a mobile phone; relatively few share one

Majorities of adults in each of the 11 emerging and developing countries surveyed report owning their own mobile phone. Ownership levels are highest in Vietnam, where nearly all adults (97%) own a mobile device, although about nine-in-ten or more also own one in Jordan, Tunisia, Colombia, Kenya, Lebanon and South Africa. Ownership is lowest in Venezuela, India and the Philippines, but even in these countries about seven-in-ten adults own a mobile device.

Meanwhile, an 11-country median of 11% say they do not own a mobile phone, which includes a median of 7% who say they regularly use someone else’s phone. 7 But overall, phone sharing is relatively rare in most countries – ranging from just 1% in Vietnam to a high of 17% in Venezuela. (Throughout this report, phone owners and phone sharers will be grouped together and referred to as “mobile phone users.”)

Sharing tends to be more common among adults with lower levels of education. 8 And in India – where women are less likely than men to own their own mobile phones – significantly more women (20%) than men (5%) report sharing a device with someone else.

Mobile phone ownership varies by age, gender and education

Across these 11 countries, mobile phone ownership (as distinct from phone sharing) tends to vary by several demographic traits, including educational attainment, gender and age.

In all countries surveyed, adults with a secondary education or higher are more likely to own their own mobile phone than are those with less than a secondary education. These educational gaps in ownership range from just 3 percentage points in Vietnam to 35 points in the Philippines.

Majorities of both men and women own mobile phones in all of the countries surveyed. But ownership rates among women vary significantly across the countries, from a low of 56% in India to a high of 96% in Vietnam. Outside of India – where men are 28 percentage points more likely than women to own a mobile phone – gender gaps in ownership in other countries are either relatively modest (such as the 8-point differences in Kenya and Lebanon) or nonexistent, as in the case of Vietnam and the Philippines.

Most of those ages 18 to 29 report owning their own mobile phone in almost all countries surveyed. However, a slightly smaller share of younger Venezuelans – but still a majority at 65% – say they own a mobile phone. A majority of those 50 and older also report owning a mobile phone in most of the 11 countries surveyed. Only in the Philippines do fewer than half of the oldest age group own a phone (46%). Overall, younger people are more likely than older adults to own a phone in the Philippines (41 percentage points), Lebanon (27 points), India (25 points) and Mexico (24 points).

For more on how phone ownership and use varies by age, gender or education levels, see Appendix C .

Phone users cite multiple reasons for sharing, rather than owning, a mobile device

Across the countries surveyed, the 7% median of those who share, rather than own, a mobile phone cite a number of reasons for why they share their phones. About four-in-ten phone sharers in Kenya (42%), Venezuela (40%) and Tunisia (38%) say they share a phone primarily because they cannot afford their own device. Another half of Venezuelan sharers say they now share a phone because their own phone was lost, broken or stolen, as do about four-in-ten Colombians (41%) and Kenyans (41%). Not needing to use a mobile phone regularly is a commonly cited reason for sharing a phone in India (39%) and the Philippines (29%).

In India, a sizable portion of phone sharers also name another reason for sharing rather than owning their own device: They think phones are too complicated to use (26%).

Smartphones are generally the most common type of mobile device

Smartphones, or phones that can connect to the internet and run apps, are the most prevalent type of mobile device in nine of the 11 countries surveyed: A majority of adults (median of 53%) report using a smartphone. Usage is highest in Lebanon (86%) and Jordan (85%), and lowest in India (32%).

Some general features and capabilities can help distinguish between the three broad types of mobile phones:

• Basic phones are generally the most technically limited – and most affordable – mobile phone option. These phones typically only have the ability to make voice calls or send text messages and cannot access the internet or download apps.
• Feature phones typically fall between smartphones and basic phones in terms of connectivity and price. These devices can access the internet and may offer some of the same features as smartphones, such as the ability to access social media platforms. However, they have fewer advanced capabilities than smartphones and typically do not support apps.
• Smartphones are the most advanced – and generally most expensive – type of mobile phone. These devices can connect to the internet, run a variety of apps and offer many of the same capabilities of a traditional computer.

Respondents to this survey were asked a series of questions to determine the type of mobile device they own or share with someone else. Those who indicated that their phone is a smartphone are classified as smartphone users. Those who said their mobile phone can connect to the internet – but that it is not a smartphone – are categorized as feature phone users. And those who said their phone is not a smartphone and cannot access the internet are considered to have a basic phone. Responses to each of these individual questions can be found in the topline and more information on the combined measures can be found in Appendix B .

Basic and feature phones are less popular overall, but some countries stand out for their high usage of these less digitally connected phones. In India nearly half of adults (47%) say they use a basic mobile phone that cannot connect to the internet. Sizable shares in Kenya (40%), Tunisia (37%) and Venezuela (36%) also report using a basic phone.

Feature phones are generally the least common devices in the countries surveyed, with few adults (median of 4%) saying they own or share a device that can connect to the internet but is not a smartphone. But feature phones – which offer some of the same features as smartphones, but typically cannot support apps – are popular in Mexico, where one-third of adults say they use this type of device. About one-in-five Kenyans (21%) and Colombians (17%) also use feature phones.

Smartphone use is far more common among younger and more educated adults

Younger adults lead the way in smartphone use in each of the countries surveyed. Across all 11 countries, those under 30 are much more likely to use a smartphone than those ages 50 and older. However, usage rates among 18- to 29-year-olds differ substantially by country, from nine-in-ten or more in Lebanon, Jordan and Vietnam to fewer than half of Kenyans under 30 (46%).

Lebanon and Jordan – where smartphones are widespread – stand out for being the only countries where a majority of adults ages 50 and older also report using smartphones. Still, older Lebanese and Jordanian adults are far less likely than their younger counterparts to use a smartphone.

People with higher levels of education are also more likely to use smartphones. In each country surveyed, a majority of those with a secondary education or more use smartphones. The education gap is most pronounced in India, where more educated people are 41 points more likely to use a smartphone.

In six of these countries, men are somewhat more likely than women to use smartphones. This gap is largest in India, where 40% of men use smartphones compared with 23% of women.

While smartphone users are generally younger and more educated, the opposite is true of basic phone users: People who use these more technically limited devices tend to be older and have lower levels of education.

Feature phone use doesn’t consistently vary by age or education. However, in Mexico – where one-third of the population uses a feature phone – women (38%) are more likely than men (27%) to report using this type of device.

Facebook and WhatsApp are the most widely used social platforms

Among the seven online social media platforms and messaging apps asked about on this survey, a median of 62% use Facebook. Facebook is most popular in Jordan and Lebanon, where about seven-in-ten adults say they currently use it. Although India has the smallest percentage of Facebook users (24%) of the countries surveyed, the country also has the largest net number of active Facebook users in the world .

Respondents were asked about their use of seven different social media platforms and messaging apps. These platforms were chosen based on three criteria: high usage rates, input from local survey organizations and to capture a range of different types of sites with distinctive features. The seven platforms included are:

• Facebook , a social networking platform founded in 2004. As of the release date of this report, its interface is available in over 100 languages.
• WhatsApp , a messaging platform launched in 2009. The service allows users to send text messages and other media, as well as make phone and video calls. WhatsApp’s interface is available in up to 60 languages.
• Twitter , a social networking and microblogging platform founded in 2006. The Twitter interface is available in 47 languages.
• Viber , a messaging and voice over platform founded in 2010. Its interface is available in 39 languages.
• Instagram , a photo- and video-sharing platform founded in 2010. Instagram’s interface is available in up to 36 languages.
• Snapchat , a multimedia messaging platform founded in 2011. Its interface is available in 22 languages.
• Tinder , a mobile dating platform founded in 2012. It is available in over 40 languages.

For purposes of this report, people who use any one of these seven social media platforms or messaging apps are classified as “social media users.” Responses to each of these individual questions can be found in the topline (link), and more information on the combined measures can be found in Appendix B .

The messaging application WhatsApp, which was purchased by Facebook in 2014 , is also one of the most widely used digital platforms, with a median of 47% saying they use it. As with Facebook, WhatsApp is most popular in Jordan and Lebanon, where about eight-in-ten or more say they currently use it. The messaging app is least popular in the Philippines and Vietnam, where very few adults use it – 4% and 2%, respectively.

Use of the other platforms included in the survey is less widespread. A median of 20% say they use the photo-sharing application Instagram – which is also owned by Facebook – while 10% or fewer report using Twitter or the messaging and photo-sharing app Snapchat. Just 4% of adults in these countries say they use the Viber messaging app, and no more than 3% in any country use the dating app Tinder.

But some platforms are more popular in particular countries. For example, about one-third of Lebanese adults (34%) say they currently use Instagram. The messaging app Viber is most popular in Lebanon and Tunisia, where about one-in-five adults report using it. And Jordanians stand out for their use of the photo-messaging app Snapchat (24%).

In most countries, each of these social media and messaging services are more likely to be used by younger adults. For example, while 91% of Vietnamese 18- to 29-year-olds say they currently use Facebook, 23% of the country’s 50-and-older population uses the site. In most of the other countries surveyed, there are also large age gaps in WhatsApp usage.

Educational gaps in usage are also significant for most of these services, with people who have a secondary education or higher being more likely to use them. In Vietnam, for example, a large majority of more educated adults (85%) use Facebook, compared with 52% of those with less than a secondary education.

Majorities of adults in most countries use at least one social media platform or messaging application, but relatively few use three or more

In most of the 11 countries analyzed, a majority of adults report using at least one of the seven social media platforms or messaging apps included in this survey. This type of online activity is especially common in Lebanon, Jordan, Colombia and Mexico, where about three-quarters or more use at least one of these services.

Kenya and India are the only countries where a majority of adults do not use at least one of these social media or messaging services.

Although it is common to use at least one of these platforms, relatively few adults (median of 20%) say they currently use three or more social media platforms or messaging apps. This level of use is most common in Lebanon and Jordan, where about four-in-ten say they use three or more of these apps (42% and 38%, respectively). About three-in-ten say the same in Venezuela (31%), Colombia (29%) and Mexico (27%). People in India (9%), the Philippines (9%) and Vietnam (5%) are the least likely to report using three or more of these apps.

Among people who use just one social media platform or messaging app, Facebook and WhatsApp are most common

For adults who only use one of the social media platforms or messaging apps included in this survey, two services dominate: Facebook and WhatsApp. Single-platform users rarely report using any of the other five services included in the survey.

The dominant platform among this group of people who only use one service varies by country: Facebook is most common among single-site users in the Philippines, Vietnam, Tunisia, Venezuela and Kenya. Meanwhile, WhatsApp is most common among such users in Mexico, Colombia, Jordan, South Africa, India and Lebanon.

Kenya is the only country where a sizable share (14%) of these single-site users are using something other than Facebook or WhatsApp – in this case, mostly Snapchat (8%).

Internet use is common across most of the nations surveyed

This survey defines an “internet user” as anyone who says they use the internet, who uses at least one social media platform or messaging application, or who owns or shares a feature phone or smartphone. Majorities of adults in every country surveyed except India are internet users.

Internet use is most widespread in Jordan and Lebanon, where 87% of adults in each country go online. About eight-in-ten adults also go online in the Latin American countries of Mexico (81%), Colombia (80%) and Venezuela (77%).

India has the smallest share of internet users of the countries surveyed: Just 38% of Indians use the internet. However, a majority of Indians ages 18 to 29 (55%) go online, as do a majority of Indians with a secondary degree or more (67%).

The definition of an internet user used in this report seeks to capture the many ways in which people are likely to go online. In addition to asking people directly whether they use the internet, people are also classified as internet users if they:

• Use any of the seven major social media or messaging services included in the survey (Facebook, WhatsApp, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, Viber and Tinder).
• Use a smartphone or feature phone that can connect to the internet.

Responses to each of these individual questions can be found in the topline (link), and more information on the combined measures can be found in Appendix B .

Similar patterns regarding age and education are found in the other 10 countries surveyed: Younger and more educated people are more likely to go online.

In eight of these countries, gender differences in internet use are either nonexistent (in the case of Colombia, the Philippines, Venezuela and Vietnam) or modest (in the case of Jordan, Lebanon, Mexico and South Africa). These differences are most prominent in India, Kenya and Tunisia, although majorities of both men and women in Tunisia and Kenya go online. In India, 46% of men and just 29% of women use the internet. To some extent, these gender gaps in internet use coincide with differences in smartphone use, as men in both countries are more likely to use smartphones than women.

For more on how use of the internet and of specific social media platforms and messaging apps vary by age, gender or education, see Appendix C .

Home computer or tablet access is relatively rare in most countries

In most of the countries surveyed, relatively few people (median of 34%) have access to a desktop computer, laptop or tablet in their household. The exception is Lebanon, where a majority of adults (57%) say they have access to such a device. As with most other measures of technological connectedness, those who are younger and more educated are generally more likely to have access to a computer or tablet at home.

Anywhere from 28% (in India) to 52% (in Jordan) of adults in these countries use the internet in some fashion but do not have a computer or tablet at home. And a median of 27% of adults in these countries say they do not have a tablet or computer at home but do have a smartphone, ranging from a low of 18% in Venezuela to a high of 50% in Jordan.

• Throughout this report, the term “mobile device” refers specifically to mobile phones. ↩
• Mobile phone sharers are people who said they do not own a mobile phone but regularly use someone else’s. ↩
• For the purpose of comparing education groups across countries, we standardize education levels based on the United Nations’ International Standard Classification of Education. In all nations surveyed, the lower education category is below secondary education and the higher category is secondary or above. ↩

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Home — Essay Samples — Information Science and Technology — Application Software — The Popularity Of Modern Messaging Applications

The Popularity of Modern Messaging Applications

• Categories: Application Software Culture and Communication Text Messaging

About this sample

Words: 733 |

Published: Nov 8, 2019

Words: 733 | Pages: 2 | 4 min read

Table of contents

Dataset generation, build deep learning model, input module.

• Generate dataset with human-bot dialogs for getting an appointment of a doctor
• Build the deep learning model and train the model with the dataset
• Build a simple real time chat system and integrate the model into the new chat system.

Question module

Memory module, answer module.

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Essay: The Use Of Instant Messaging

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Instant Messaging is the most-used form of communication within society today. However, studies have shown that the new application, Snapchat, has rapidly been rising in numbers regarding users and every day usage. The purpose of this study was to look at the nature of Snapchat, why it’s so appealing, and what exactly is so appealing to users. Why are people choosing to use Snapchat over other IM applications (e.g., Facebook, Skype, etc.)? With research showing snapchat becoming more and more popular, it is believed that social capital ideals and on-going, rapid communication are both huge factors as to why the application is so successful. If more instant messaging applications allowed the content people shared to persist for a limited amount of time, like Snapchat, people would be more inclined to use them. Primary Question Asked: What is the nature and role of Snapchat use in facilitating social interactions and networking? This study was designed to examine: How exactly people use the app, Snapchat. What people use it for Who people use it for How often people use it What benefits they get from using it The researchers used a correlational design to test the primary hypothesis. We know this because, the researchers specifically wanted to look at first-year students only with the intention of take a closer look at a younger agre group of Snapchat users. Correlational designs have many advantages. For this study, in particular, the researchers wanted to take a close look at Snapchat users amongst a younger age group instead of a wider range which would include more variables to the study. Therefore, there is more correlation to the study and what is being studied/looked at. As we learned earlier in the semester, Corrolation does not mean causation. In explaining this further, correlational research studies can not prove that one variable caused another variable to change in any way. N = 209 (139 female 70 male) Students at the University of the West of England (UWE) Looked at the relationship between the use of Snapchat, the intensity of using the app, and its effects on social capital. Variables: Sociodemographics (the effects on social capital/social interactions) Snapchat usage (intensity) Other social media platforms (IM) In the study, the variables looked at were: Gender, Age, Sexual Orientation, Employment, Relationship, Hours of internet/day, Frequency of IM use, Snapchat intensity, Constant, Observations, etc. The researchers gave out different surveys containing questions regarding their Snapchat usage. Used small sample sizes so they could look at the data more in-depth Conducted regression diagnostics First looked at socio-demographic factors and how they control/ effect the participants’ lives Identifying: Patterns of snapchat use Snaps sent and recieved General aspects Association between intensity of use and social capital The researchers found the Snapchat was infact reported to be one of the top three instant messaging applications used most frequently. The study also shows that the app, Snapchat was used to communicate with a single person rather than a larger group, typically close friends, significant others or family. Snapchat was found to have a very positive association between the intensity of usage and social capital. “Users typically send (and recieve) a selfie…” – Lukasz Piwek & Adam Joinson Within this study, the researchers probably found limitations: Can’t control understanding whether or not the participants are being truthful For example: how is it possible to know exactly what the participants are snapchatting Privacy Provocative? Intimacy? Accuracy!!

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The Use of Online Messaging Apps Essay in English

The Use of Online Messaging Apps Essay in English , Today, technology is everywhere. It is due to the technology that online messaging apps exist in the internet world. Now, communication has become far better than in previous days, when we did not have even mobiles. But these days, we have smartphones, laptops, tablets, personal computers, and telephones, which we use to communicate with others.

Such digital devices along with online messaging apps play a greater role in the life of human beings. Today, we cannot imagine our life without online messaging apps and digital devices.

The Use of Online Messaging Apps Essay Agree or Disagree

Anyone can use online messaging apps for a variety of reasons. Whether you are a student, a professional working in a company, or a normal person, these messaging apps can help you a lot. Online messaging apps are not only serving the purpose of keeping in contact with anyone.

However, a sea change has entered this trend. Gone are the days, when chats were limited to a single person. But now, we can engage in a group chat with relatives, friends, or office colleagues. Such messaging apps are not only for text messages.

Even, we can send streaming videos, voice messages, audios, photos, documents, to contacts stored in smartphones as and when we feel the need.

People are using these apps for different reasons, but the main thing is that these apps are designed for making communication easier and quicker. No matter whether a person is in a local area, in an international place, or sitting next to you, you can send anything to him/her. This is how communication has turned out to be an easy thing for people.

Also Read: Online Shopping Essay in English

Students use these online messaging apps to send/receive their vital documents, informative videos, or much more. Not only this, but even these apps are also helpful for employees and businesses, performing a wide range of tasks in an easy and effective manner.

There is a wide range of messaging apps out in the web world such as Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp, Skype, Snapchat, Viber, WeChat, and many others. These apps have transformed the way people both old and youngsters communicate and stay connected with one another.

Along with that, Pinterest and Instagram are not an exception with photo and video sharing options. People utilize messaging apps according to their interests, preferences, and the reason for use. The use of online messaging apps is not limited to one category.

Anyone can rely on these apps to enhance communication levels. Businesses have also not remained far behind, they are also utilizing these apps for marketing their products and services to get a wider range of audiences.

Messaging and texting through online messaging apps are among the most popular ways of communication among children and teenagers. They use such apps multiple times a day. This is why along with communication, they can also be tools to help people learn and master essential skills. These are:

Enhancing social skills : Apps to Improve Communication Skills

The use of online messaging apps among young people is to communicate with their peers and friends. Of course, with the use of these apps, they can stay connected with their friends and it is very valuable to them. At the same time, online messaging apps also offer young people many options to develop their social skills.

They can improve their social abilities in a range of informal and formal contexts. These apps are made to encourage young people and appreciate different points of view. They can easily understand the difference between right and wrong behavior. Moreover, they become more real non-verbal communicators.

Developing new ideas

When youngsters can contact friends and peers of their own age through messaging apps, it makes it stress-free for them to ask for help. They can use these apps to discuss many topics regardless of the subject, and even assist each other in realizing things that might confuse them.

When they do chats with peers via the internet, they can get help to make discussions for homework or ideas from school or college they didn’t get. They can talk to a friend about something that has occurred in school. They can also develop and refine new and creative ideas related to anything.

Apps for businesses

There are many ways how businesses use online messaging apps and how these apps can benefit them. These are:

• The instant messaging service offered by these apps helps to speed up business communication
• It offers a convenient way to communicate whether it is a single or a group messaging
• These apps democratize the workplace. Companies can create an environment of trust, open dialogue, and accountability
• Instant messaging through online messaging apps is intimate. It means that it brings employees to close together. They can connect and share the informal moments that team members would have in real life.
• Instant messaging apps help us interact with people all over the world with no extra cost linked to international phone calls. This is how we can save money.

These apps can be used by any school, college, or organization to notify the concerned people about the latest announcements and updates regarding anything.

Are online messaging apps safe to use?

Of course, yes! These messaging apps are safe to use until we are using them in a limited manner. As it is a well-known saying that the overdose of anything can be harmful. This is why we need to pay attention when we are using online messaging apps.

We need to devote some time to these apps. For students, parents should monitor them when they are using such apps to let them stay away from any harmful consequences. In fact, these apps ease out the way of communication, but try to use them for a short period. Online messaging apps have many benefits to offer, but there are drawbacks too.

These apps offer a great level of security, but still, we need to take care of the data we are exchanging with others. The use of instant messaging apps on your smartphone can help you a lot in many ways, but keep yourself safe and secure.

This is the use of online messaging apps essay in English, from this entire article, we cover information regarding the advantages of chat applications. If found anything missing let us know by commenting below. For more info kindly visit us at wikiliv.com

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Messaging Apps

Introduction.

This report investigates how organisations are using messaging apps such as WhatsApp, Viber and Telegram in humanitarian situations, and assesses the opportunities and risks that they introduce.

It is the product of a partnership between the International Committee of the Red Cross , The Engine Room and Block Party . It was last updated in January 2017.

Download the full-length report (3.3MB PDF) .

A messaging application is a mobile-phone-based software programme that allows users to send and receive information using their phone’s internet connection.

Messaging apps can transmit or receive a much wider range of data types than Short Message Service (SMS) or Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS). In addition to voice calls, video calls and text, messaging-app users can send and receive files, images, audio, location data, emojis and (in some cases) documents.

Messaging apps were primarily designed for private communication between individuals or small groups, but are increasingly being used in new ways, including:

Broadcast or bulk messaging. The capacity to send messages or other content to a large number of people.

Encryption. End-to-end encryption means that the content of a message can be viewed only by the people sending and receiving messages. It cannot be decrypted and read by the company itself.

Bots or “chatbots”. A piece of code that performs automated functions within an app (often in natural language like a human − hence “chatbot”), such as replying to users’ questions with short pieces of information.

Over the past four years, messaging apps have become the primary mode of communication for millions of people around the world. This includes both individuals and aid organisations. Below are some examples of how messaging apps have been used by such organisations.

As a hotline. ICRC’s Yemen delegation used WhatsApp as a dedicated hotline for people to report incidents or request assistance.

To broadcast information. The Yuva Community Centre in Gaziantep, Turkey, uses Telegram and WhatsApp, as well as SMS, to send refugees information about the services provided by the centre.

In collaboration with local media. BBC Media Action used WhatsApp as part of a public-health information programme to circulate information about Ebola.

For internal coordination. For some interviewees, messaging apps helped staff coordinate activities more efficiently than email or voice calls. Some used messaging apps to share information (such as location-data or photos).

To use bots to automatically provide information that is tailored to individuals’ needs. The Praekelt Foundation launched a bot that provides pregnant women and new mothers in South Africa with maternal health information and support.

To use automated systems (bots) to survey people on issues that affect them. UNICEF launched a chatbot that integrates with U-Report , a service that allows people to answer polls and report on a range of issues. In Uganda, for example, the HIV/AIDS organisation Mildmay will respond to the chatbot’s messages asking questions about HIV/AIDS.

Tools and Platforms

This table below compares the key features offered by ten of the most frequently used messaging apps.

Pros and Cons

The key advantage for many interviewees was that messaging apps are widely used by both organisations and their target audiences. This enables organisations to communicate with people using channels that those people already know and use on a daily basis.

Additional advantages include:

Messaging apps can help reduce communications costs. Messaging apps usually cost less to use than SMS or conventional phone calls. This benefits both organisations and the people they are trying to reach.

Messaging apps can be a more reliable communication method. Messaging apps offer a way to maintain contact with people across borders (such as staff or refugees), even if they frequently change SIM cards . Apps might work better in places where other communication methods are unavailable , especially if the app works well over weak internet connections.

Messaging apps can be a more secure communication method. Mobile-phone networks are insecure and the message content of all SMS messages can be accessed by mobile-network operators, who may in turn grant access to governments. Information transmitted over telephone networks via SMS or phone calls is therefore likely to be easier for adversaries to access than messaging apps which can have features like end-to-end encryption, password access and automatic message deletion. However, like any mobile-phone based method of communication, information sent over messaging apps will never be completely secure (see Disadvantages, below).

Messaging apps can speed up data collection or increase efficiency. The ability of a user to send location-data , images, or long messages without a character limit are some of the advantages a messaging app might have over SMS. Many apps also notify a user when their message has been read, which some organisations find useful for information sharing.

Disadvantages

The greatest risk of using messaging apps is the threat to messaging app users’ security and privacy. Data that organisations collect through messaging apps might be accessed by unintended third parties , including government authorities, businesses and hostile parties.

Even if the content of the messages is protected by end-to-end encryption, other types of data will not be encrypted and can be used to identify individuals or groups. Metadata - information about the data transmitted with the app - can include the time and date on which message or files were sent, the user’s location and the identity of the person to whom data was sent. This can be used to link an individual with other individuals or groups, or be combined with other datasets to infer details about an individual. According to their terms of service, apps collect varying quantities of metadata - the most privacy-conscious apps aim to collect as little metadata as possible.

Other disadvantages to consider are:

The most popular apps are not necessarily the best ones for a particular situation. Interviewees frequently chose a messaging app based on its popularity with target audiences. This risks overlooking whether the app is secure, reliable or complies with data protection policies and laws.

Messaging apps develop and change features fast. There is no guarantee that a feature offered by an app will always be available, and companies’ policies about data usage, security and privacy may be revised without warning . For some interviewees, this forced them to dramatically change their strategy with little notice.

Discussions may stray off-topic or include material that is hurtful. Groups containing multiple members cannot filter the messages that are sent, while messages cannot be deleted once sent. Without effective moderation, hurtful or offensive messages will be preserved in the chat history and discussions with multiple people can easily veer off into trivial or irrelevant topics.

Responsible Data Issues

Broader issues around responsible data should also be considered.

Consent. To maintain fully informed consent, organisations need to constantly monitor changes in messaging app companies’ terms and conditions, and communicate any changes to their target audiences. Users are usually unaware of the privacy implications of installing and sharing data on messaging apps and often provide more information than an organisation had requested.

Access. Access to an app or mobile-internet can vary depending on affordability, connectivity, gender and age. This can significantly limit the extent to which individuals are able to participate in technology-based initiatives. For example, access to data networks can vary greatly between rural and urban areas, and some people may attempt to reduce costs by turning off access to mobile data at set times during the day. Older, low-income people are much less likely than younger, wealthier people to own and use smartphones and, in many countries, men report much higher rates of smartphone ownership than women.

Bias in data collected. Data gathered solely through one app can introduce statistical bias . Differences in individuals’ access to the internet or to mobile phones could affect the way that different populations are represented. For example, reports collected through messaging-app data might give the impression that violence was focussed in a particular area, without taking account of limited internet access in other parts of the country. Conclusions based on such skewed data can reinforce inequalities.

Many interviewees concluded that the advantages of using messaging apps outweighs the potential risks. Those planning on incorporating messaging apps into their communications strategies should keep the following in mind:

Invest the time and effort needed to understand how people in the local area communicate. Organisations should learn how the people they want to reach communicate and which channels they use and trust. This may vary significantly across different environments and cultures.

Consider any government restrictions on apps or mobile internet. Content sent using messaging apps may be controlled or censored by government. Some governments will ban specific apps or shut down mobile-internet connections altogether. Organisations should therefore consider the risk that an app could become unusable at a crucial point during a crisis. Furthermore, organisations should not encourage individuals to discuss information that exposes them to unnecessary risks as individuals have been targeted on the basis of information they sent on messaging apps.

Use a range of communications channels rather than relying exclusively on a messaging app. Messaging apps should be part of a multi-platform, multi-channel communications strategy. Vulnerable groups should be able to access information in ways that suit their skills and resources, ensuring that individuals are not discriminated against as a result of their gender, age or abilities.

Consider how to extract data from the messaging app. Manually transcribing information from a messaging app into, for example, an Excel spreadsheet can be time consuming and inefficient. Some messaging apps work with application programming interfaces (APIs) - these allow different software programs to interact and can be used to extract data from the messaging app. However, some messaging apps, notably Whatsapp, block the use of APIs.

Don’t let the technology distract from the need for appropriate content. Organisations using messaging apps will have very limited impact if they don’t also provide timely, actionable and useful content for people. Managing and analysing the data received through the apps is necessary to ensure that the information collected helps to guide an organisation’s future activities.

Plan well in advance. Put in place strategies and systems for using messaging apps well before they are actually needed. This could mean creating systems for data management, developing policies and training field staff. Organisations should also consider how to moderate message channels to avoid quarrels and irrelevant discussions: this might mean nominating one or two people to “facilitate” the group.

Prioritise the privacy rights of respondents when choosing a messaging app. Organisations should investigate the privacy risks associated with using messaging apps to communicate with vulnerable individuals and communities, and try to reduce those risks. This includes choosing messaging apps with end-to-end encryption enabled by default, run by companies which collect and retain minimal amounts of data and metadata, and which have a strong record of resisting unlawful demands for private data from law-enforcement and other agencies.

Implementation

Test, test and test again. Interviewees repeatedly emphasised that approaches which are effective in some regions will fail in others. Before introducing the app, organisations should conduct thorough research into key factors that affect the ability of local people to access and use it. Following the launch, organisations should use analytics tools to monitor how the app is being used, support local languages wherever possible, consider ways to promote usage among women and older people, and factor in the needs of people who may be inexperienced with these tools.

Develop a workflow and an information-management system. Carefully consider how the information gathered through a messaging app will be used to inform decision-making. Messaging apps can introduce large quantities of new information from many different sources. Without proper planning, this could overwhelm organisations, increase the risk that organisations overlook users’ privacy , and frustrate local residents if their responses are ignored. Third-party providers may be able to assist with data analysis or management, but this will introduce further risks around data protection and users’ privacy that should be considered carefully.

Collect as little data as you need (both message content and message metadata), and emphasise to users that any data they submit remains insecure. Organisations should conduct a risk assessment to gain a better understanding of what data is being collected, and what the worst-case scenarios could be as a result. Organisations should clearly emphasise to individuals that any information sent over a communications network may be viewed by an adversary at some point in the future.

Consider how the organisation will verify and validate information received. The speed with which messaging apps can exchange information increases the danger of misinformation being spread. However, verifying information requires significant time and resources. Organisations will therefore need to balance the time spent verifying information with the potential benefits of rapid communication. Alternatively, an organisation could invest more resources in verification than initially planned.

Establish feedback mechanisms. Organisations should be flexible and prepared to adapt to feedback. Suggestions from users on how the app can best serve their needs should be implemented on an ongoing basis.

This report, commissioned by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), is the product of a collaboration between the ICRC, The Engine Room and Block Party. The content of this report does not reflect the official opinion of the ICRC. Responsibility for the information and views expressed in the report lies entirely with The Engine Room and Block Party.

This report is based upon a survey of relevant literature, interviews with staff working in humanitarian organisations (including technology specialists, logistics officers and field workers), representatives of messaging app companies, and organisations that focus on providing technology for humanitarian organisations. Interviewees were identified through the authors’ and advisory groups’ networks, and through responses to an open call publicised on mailing lists and through social media. In total, researchers spoke with more than 45 people working in Asia, Europe, sub-Saharan Africa and the Middle East.

Contributors

Commissioning Editors: Jacobo Quintanilla and Philippe Stoll (ICRC). Lead researcher: Tom Walker (The Engine Room). Content: Eytan Oren (Block Party), Zara Rahman (The Engine Room), Nisha Thompson, and Carly Nyst. Prepared for web version by Tom Parker. Editors: Michael Wells and John Borland.

The Engine Room is an international organisation that helps activists, organisations, and other social change agents make the most of data and technology to increase their impact.

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Sample essay on texting.

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This sample paper, written by an Ultius writer , illustrates how text messaging and has changed the world since becoming a staple of modern communication. In the modern world, people have become used to the idea of sending and receiving information almost instantaneously. There is perhaps no better example of this than the text message. This type of document might be an essay assignment for a communications or sociology course.

The power of a text

Texting, as it is commonly referred to today, allows individuals to literally express their thoughts, convey information, and maintain relationships with the tips of their fingers.  The invention and subsequent use of the text message has redefined the way in which an entire generation communicates with each other.  Though this powerful service has many benefits, it has also created several important negative issues as well.  The cost to one’s health as well as the general public has made texting a highly debated topic recently.  The choices of the individuals engaged in texting one another are not always limited to themselves, rather their choices can have direct effects, both physically and emotionally, on others.  The power of text messaging is one that has reshaped the world’s means of communication and those that use this power have a responsibility to use it correctly.

The texting phenomenon dates back to end of the 20th century.  Though accounts vary, it is generally accepted that the first text message was sent either during 1989 or 1992.  The first account attributes the first text message as a sequence of numbers sent and read upside down through a Motorola beeper by former NASA employee Edward Lantz.  The 1992 account states that Neil Papworth sent a message through a Vodafone GSM network with the use of a desktop computer.  This text message contained the simple statement “Merry Christmas.”   It wasn’t until Riku Pihkonen, an engineering student, came around that texts were sent on the more commercially recognizable Nokia mobile phones.  As this concept was first used in the early 90’s, the popularity of the text message did not initially catch on with the general public.  The number of text users began to grow at the turn of the century, and now statistics show that over 85% of people in Europe and North America are users of text messaging (Urmann, 2009).

Technological advancements in communication 

As with any advancement in the technological world, it took many different individuals working on the system for it to reach a state where the general population could benefit from its use.  The first text messages were seen as cumbersome to create and not an effective means of communication between people.  As more resources were spent on perfecting the system however, the process of sending a text message became drastically easier.  With the invention of the classic “T9word” feature on a phone, a user needed only select numbers that would correspond to certain, easily recognizable words programmed into the phone’s memory.  This replaced the need for an individual to spend a great amount of time constructing each word through multiple selections of a number on the phone.  Take the word “there” for example.  On the original system, a user had to hit the number 8 one time for the “t”, the number 4 twice for the “h”, the number 3 twice for the “e”, the number 7 three times for “r”, and finally the number 3 two more times for the final “e.”  New systems resolved from having to hit 10 keys to just the 5 needed for the actual word.  As the system continues to improve and grow for text messaging, there are both pros and cons to the advancement of the technology.

The power of the instant communication that the text message gives to society can be used for a multitude of positive functions and is a subject with high potential for study and research paper writing .  The ability to communicate quickly and efficiently allows for the transmission of important data instantaneously.  One such example of this is emergency text messages that can be provided to individuals for natural disasters.  Should a natural disaster be about to affect an area such as a tornado, sever storm, flood, etc., people that live in that area can have emergency texts sent to their phones to warn them about the impending danger.  This can literally save the lives of those who would have been otherwise caught unaware of the potential danger that they were in.  Additionally, text messaging ( like social media ) allows for people to maintain personal relationships with those that they do not have the ability to see on a regular basis.  As a study showed, the average teenager uses the text message for about 54% of their interactions with their friends.  Face-to-face talking was actually the third most used method of communication, weighing in at 33%.  The ability of instant, efficient communication that the text message provides can help people maintain a relationship with a friend when the two literally live on opposite sides of the country (Minshall, 2012).

Related reading: The decline of communication due to technology .

Texting problems: A societal disease?

Though the power of text messaging has many benefits to it, the misuse of this technology can cause serious problems for society.  With the ability to communicate instantaneously on a mobile device, society focuses more and more on their mobile phones at the expensive of focusing on other, important tasks such as driving.   Texting and driving is a hot topic nowadays, in not only the number of accidents that it causes per year but also the amount of money the state spends on combating drivers from texting and driving.  According to a recent NBC News article , “the federal government is $550,000 to Connecticut and Massachusetts for pilot projects to crack down on people who text while driving,” (Eng, 2012).  This program will hire police spotters on highway overpasses who are trained to look for motorists that are engaging in texting and driving.  This takes valuable resources away from the government that could be used to solve some of the country’s other important issues because people cannot responsibly handle the power of texting given to them.  The problems do not end only with state spending on making sure individuals responsibly wield the power of texting.

People are so addicted to the use of text messaging that they are literally causing themselves physical harm from over use on their mobile phones.  The overuse of one’s cell phone for texting can cause physical problems to the body.  The areas most effected by over texting are: the neck, head, shoulders, wrists, and hands.  By looking down at a phone screen and having a slumped posture, individuals are adding as much as 20 or 30 pounds of weight that their neck must support.  This new ailment dubbed “Text Neck” can cause major physical harm to the body if gone unchecked.  By putting excessive strain on the neck, the body must compensate and can lead to injury.  This can be easily avoided if individuals take the time to limit the number of texts they send and the time they look at the phones in a downward angle, however many people will just ignore the pain and act as though it is not a serious issue (Broaddus, 2012).

Texting can also affect one’s social life in a negative sense .  As found by Ya-Shu Liang, a licensed psychologist and Ph.D. holder, the use of extensive texting can lead to “’maintenance expectations,’ like expecting a fast response from a text, which can increase over-dependence and can lead to decreased satisfaction in a relationship,” (Hawkes, 2012).  People have come to expect to receive information at a blazing pace, and when they are denied their expected speed of response, they can become frustrated with the other person.  In addition to this, the use of text messaging can lead to a person having to maintain a number of relationships to the point where that person has no close relationships.  The person has to maintain such a large number of different relationships that he or she is unable to, by time constraints or other means, have a close, personal relationship (Hawkes, 2012).

Even with the use of technology in forming a romantic relationship, the over use of text messaging can be detrimental.  Modern times allow for a person to meet individuals from setting that are no longer face-to-face.  With the advent of internet dating, a person can meet someone new and form a relationship based almost exclusively on emailing and text messages .  The problem with forming a relationship in this matter is, as Dr. Liang states, is that an individual will likely form unrealistic expectations and standards of the person based on their electronic interactions.  People have a preconceived notion on the manner of another and will assume they will act a certain way before they ever meet face-to-face, as opposed to meeting some the first time face-to-face and forming opinions about them based on the way they act (Hawkes, 2012).

Additional reading:  Click here to read about social relationships among young adults.

Conclusions

The invention of text messaging has revolutionized the way in which people can communicate on a regular basis and the field of communications in general.  From the early 90’s simple message of “Merry Christmas” to today’s smart phones that literally allow a person to “draw” the words they wish to send, the advancement of this piece of technology is astonishing.  The power that it gives to society is nothing short of awesome in that it allows for instantaneous, efficient means of having a conversation.  However, with this great power that text messaging offers society; there comes a great deal of responsibility for correctly and safely using it.  People need to be able to efficiently manage the use of their text messaging.  We must be able to hold ourselves accountable for texting at appropriate times.  We have to be able to know when it is a right and wrong time to engage in texting.  If we do not, the government will continue to have to waste its time, effort, and resources to ensure that individuals are not abusing the power of text messaging.  So, it is on a personal level that society must correctly use this awesome power.  When driving a car, a person must have the clarity of mind to put down their phone.  When their body physically hurts from over texting, they must put down the phone and take a break.  We have to remember that our relationships are real, physical things with others and are not confined to only being used on a cellular phone.  The text message has so many potential upsides that it is crucial that society learns to be responsible with this power.  Only then, can we realize the full potential that the text message has.

Works Cited

Broaddus, Adrienne. "Frequent texting can be pain in the neck." WISHTV. (2012): n. page. Web.          <http://www.wishtv.com/dpp/news/health/frequent-texting-can-be-pain-in-neck>. 

Eng, James. "Texting while driving: Connecticut, Massachusetts to use police spotters to catch culprits in federal test." NBC News. (2012): n. page. Web. <http://usnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2012/10/17/14515654-texting-while-driving-connecticut-massachusetts-to-use-police-spotters-to-catch-culprits-in-federal-test>. 

Hawkes, Ethan. "Technology takes a toll on relationships." Daily Titan. (2012): n. page. Web. <http://www.dailytitan.com/2012/10/technology-takes-a-toll-on-relationships/>. 

Minshall, Kristin. "Thumbs are Talking: Addicted to Texting." the Papyrus. (2012): n. page. Web. 18 Oct. 2012. <http://papyrus.greenville.edu/2012/10/thumbs-are-talking-addicted-to-texting/>. 

Urmann, David. "The History of Text Messaging." Articlesbase. (2009): n. page. Web. <http://www.articlesbase.com/computers-articles/the-history-of-text-messaging-1177228.html>.

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Effects of Text Messaging on English Language Essay (Critical Writing)

Introduction, effects of text messaging.

The written segment of literature and language forms an integral part in our language and culture. Through writing, man has been able to communicate his ideas.

In addition, writing has developed to be one of the most efficient methods of storing information. It is through writing that people have managed to put down their thoughts and beliefs, ideas and innovations. Writing has also played a critical role in the world of academia. Students in all education institutions are taught with the help of writing. Teachers write on blackboards, use printed books to teach and evaluate the performance of their students by giving them exams.

In most of these papers, students are expected to present their responses in form of writing. However, with the technological advancements that the world is currently facing, the status of writing, especially with regards to text messaging is being threatened. This paper shall therefore investigate the effects of text messaging in language.

As stated earlier, the world is facing a lot of advancements in the field of technology. Ever since the industrial revolution during the 19 th century, man has created and innovated new technologies. The main aim of these technological advancements is to make the life of man on earth to be easier, convenient, effective and efficient. To achieve this, man has incorporated science with other fields of technology to come up with means through which life can be comfortable for him.

Man has come up with several technological advancements. Among the various advancements, the most applicable form of technology that is embraced with teenagers and youths at the present time is the use of cell phones and computers. These gadgets can be used for a number of purposes.

However, the most common application of these gadgets by the individuals of the younger generation (youths) is text messaging. Teenagers text messages to their friends, family members, partners and so on. The youths embrace this form of communication due to its economies of scale. Text messages is very cheap; it is almost free. However, there are limits to the amount of characters that one text message can allow.

Due to this fact, teenagers have come up with various methods of reducing the amount of characters in a text message, but still maintain its context. They achieve this by the use eliminating certain letters in words, using abbreviations, using emoticons and incorporating slang in their text message.

Text messaging is characterised by a number of styles. First, texting involves the elimination of certain letters in words. A word like ‘you’ in text messaging will be written as ‘u’. A word like ‘working’ for example, will be written as either ‘wrkn’ or ‘workin`’. In other instances, text messaging involves the use of abbreviations in writing.

Many text messages contain abbreviations such as L.O.L, O.M.G, A.S.A.P and B.T.W. these abbreviations refer to lots of love or laugh out loud, oh my God, as soon as possible and by the way respectively.

These are just examples; there are many more that are being used. Finally, text messages entail the use of emoticons. These are pictures that are drawn by the use of keyboard characters to express the feeling or emotions of the writer. An emoticon such as represents a happy face, a sad face and <3 represents love. These different styles can either be used individually or collectively.

Due to the alteration of words, several scholars believe that text messaging will destroy our language, a heritage that has taken so many years to be created and developed. According to John Humphreys (2007), text messaging is an evil thing that should not be condoned in our society. The structure and style of writing that is used in text messaging is inconsistent with the rules and regulations that govern proper English. Humphreys feels that an intervention is necessary if we want to preserve our writing heritage (Humphreys, 2007).

Other scholars have criticized the use of text messaging on social media. To support their thoughts, some of these scholars argue that this form of communication is vague. It lacks the content that is required to ensure the stability of a language. Others argue that such form of writing only encourages laziness, especially on students.

This is because such writing is sluggish in nature. It therefore affects the psychology, attitude and perception of an individual towards formal language. As a result therefore, such individuals are likely not to take their academics seriously (The Linguist, 2008).

Many people are irritated with such writing. This is because of a number of reasons. First, it is difficult for a reader to determine the meaning of the text if he/she is not familiar with the style that is being used. Secondly, this writing style is not standardized. One has to interpret a message with regards to its context.

Finally, such writing has a negative impact on writing. It defiles proper writing and punctuation of words and sentences. This therefore affects negatively the writing styles of individuals especially students. Several cases have been reported where students have used such languages while writing their essays and reports.

Text messaging is an innovation that has made communication, especially among peers to be more effective and efficient. However, it is essential for individuals to consider the rules of normal writing in order to protect our language. This will ensure that our language maintains its heritage and is sustainable.

Humphreys, J. (2007). I h8 txt msgs: How texting is wrecking our language . Dailymail. Web.

The Linguist. (2008). Txting: frNd or foe. The Linguist, 46, 8-11.

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IvyPanda. (2024, January 23). Effects of Text Messaging on English Language. https://ivypanda.com/essays/text-messaging/

"Effects of Text Messaging on English Language." IvyPanda , 23 Jan. 2024, ivypanda.com/essays/text-messaging/.

IvyPanda . (2024) 'Effects of Text Messaging on English Language'. 23 January.

IvyPanda . 2024. "Effects of Text Messaging on English Language." January 23, 2024. https://ivypanda.com/essays/text-messaging/.

1. IvyPanda . "Effects of Text Messaging on English Language." January 23, 2024. https://ivypanda.com/essays/text-messaging/.

Bibliography

IvyPanda . "Effects of Text Messaging on English Language." January 23, 2024. https://ivypanda.com/essays/text-messaging/.

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How retailers leverage user-generated content to drive sales

How digital signage drives retail traffic and sales

Futureproofing your retail business with digital solutions

Personalized digital messaging bridges the communication gap.

The year 2020 will be known as a time when almost everything changed — from the way we work and shop to how we gather and move about. Positive change requires effective communication, and the steady evolution of our new normal has made digital signage technology even more relevant.

The way we interact publicly has become subject to steady transformation, and digital signage can help — displaying updated opening hours, access rules, capacity limits and even inventory for highly sought items.

Businesses that weren’t equipped with digital signage technology have had to resort to “hacks,” like handwritten notices and printouts taped to doors and walls. Businesses that already had digital signage in place are putting those screens to work, communicating changes quickly and easily.

Reducing contact

Many businesses and venues have been trying to become as contact-free as possible. Some of that involves limiting the need to touch things — like replacing manual doors with automatic ones. But the shift toward contactless operations is mostly about reducing face-to-face contact to mitigate health risks.

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Circumstances have elevated the idea of “untact” — an invented term that’s all about communicating effectively with customers, partners and colleagues while minimizing physical contact.

The untact concept manifests itself in sales calls, product demos and team meetings that used to be done in person but are now done via video conferencing. It’s also being applied in public settings — in retail, hospitality and other sectors — to drive customers to remote technology solutions that deliver services and facilitate transactions safely and effectively.

Same food, new normal

When you need a burger fix or a fancy coffee, you head to a quick service restaurant (QSR) operation. In 2020, closed or limited capacity dining areas have made drive-thrus mission-critical. What was already 70 percent of the revenue for some QSRs became 95 percent or even 100 percent of the business.

Digital signage is a huge part of drive-thrus , with QSR giants using presell and digital menu screens at more than 10,500 locations in the U.S. Rugged, outdoor-ready displays do the basics of relaying accurate, time-keyed ordering options, but they’re also powerful tools for promoting new items and specials.

Operators are starting to use artificial intelligence (AI) and anonymous camera-based sensors to analyze customer segments car by car and dynamically adjust menus to upsell and speed ordering decisions.

Self-serve ordering kiosks have also grown common in QSR, with touchscreen displays allowing for more order customization and lessening inaccurate orders and food waste. While touchscreens raise worries of transmitting contagions, QSR operators are counterbalancing that risk by doing regular, very visible cleaning and making sanitizers readily available.

Touchscreens minimize one-to-one contact risk. Workers do food prep behind the scenes and hand off packaged meals based on digital orders. While this may reduce the friendly, personal communications usually found in retail establishments, it’s prioritizing the health and safety of both staff and customers.

Local tech, remote management

Touchscreen kiosks have grown popular at airport check-in counters and customs areas because they speed lineups and ease some of the demands on staff. They also follow physical distancing guidelines by minimizing the need for counter staff to interact directly with other people.

Similar technologies that use screens and video conferencing to support remote tellers and customer service advisors have been trialed in places like banks and big box do-it-yourself stores, but rarely rolled out. Now, for retailers and other facilities that see a lot of foot traffic, digital signage screens that can deliver remote expertise and limit staff-customer contact are getting a second look.

Bright 4K screens, content management software , fast connections and crisp web cameras make it possible for a broad spectrum of retailers — from banking to hardware to home furnishings — to offer expert-level service and advice on the sales and service floor.

Single screens, narrow-bezel video walls and interactive displays like Samsung’s Flip 2 digital flip chart can enable valuable real-time conversations, demos and idea sessions — even when the retailer’s expert advisor is sitting in a home office in a different time zone.

New distance, same service

Physical distancing guidelines are requiring many retailers and other services to limit the numbers of visitors they have inside at any given time. The simple but labor-intensive fix is assigning staff to work as greeters, working in tandem with inside staff to signal when someone leaves, allowing the next person in line to enter.

Sensors — or more sophisticated on-site analytics systems — can do that work more cost-effectively. Sensors that scan lineups and active shopper density can trigger messaging on screens that function as metered traffic lights, signaling green when the next shopper can enter. The screens can also relay anticipated wait times.

Screens inside stores, in their windows and outside are also increasingly important. They can communicate changes in how the business is operating, like updated hours, cash handling, inventory levels or notifications for newly added services like curbside pickup.

There’s an old saying about the only constant in life being change, and that certainly applies these days. Technology is no different, constantly evolving into new iterations. In these times, leaning into the opportunities digital signage can provide for in-person experiences is change worth pursuing.

Discover the future of displays in retail environments in this free webinar , and see how super-bright outdoor displays can support drive-thru business.

Dave Haynes

Dave Haynes is a well-known veteran in the digital signage industry. He consults to some of the world’s largest brands on their digital signage strategy and technical needs, but also spends time mentoring start-ups. A former daily newspaper journalist, Haynes has for the past decade written a highly-respected blog about digital signage, Sixteen:Nine . Follow Dave on twitter @sixteennine

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9 Popular and Free Instant Messaging Apps

Use these apps if you're tired of paying for text message fees

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• Video Calls

We share more about our lives through photos, videos, GIFs, emojis, and more. Traditional text messaging seems to be on its way out as mobile options attract more users. Here are some of the most popular mobile instant message apps people are turning to as a replacement or as an additional service to SMS texting.

Facebook Messenger

Hoch Zwei / Getty Images

Ease of use.

Large gallery of images.

Video chat available.

Requires storage space.

Can drain device battery.

A lot of people have a Facebook account, making it the standard platform for getting in touch with people. And to make things even more convenient, you don't necessarily need to have a Facebook account to use the Messenger app.

You can easily start chatting with a friend or a group of friends using multimedia-rich content or instantly call them up on mobile from within the conversation. Other advanced features such as sending and receiving payments are also available.

Compatibility:

• Windows Phone
• Desktop web

Iain Masterton / Getty Images

Send broadcast messages.

Make audio and video calls.

No stickers or filters.

Limits on file size.

WhatsApp is another popular instant messaging service that allows users to chat back and forth with individuals and in groups.

Acquired by Facebook for $19 million in February 2014, it lets anyone send unlimited text, photo, audio, and video messages to their friends freely and securely. Free video calls can also be made for face-to-face conversations.

Full-featured.

Multiple communication options.

Outdated interface.

Lack of privacy settings.

WeChat promises free, crystal clear voice and video calls along with individual and group instant messaging.

It also offers multimedia messaging, group chat and calls, sticker galleries, your own moments' photostream and so much more. The app's unique and convenient walkie-talkie mode lets you talk to up to 500 other friends with integrated real-time location sharing and up to nine people in video group calls.

Carl Court / Getty Images

Send and receive multiple media types.

Encrypted calling.

Limited ability to pin chats.

Fewer users than other instant messaging apps.

Telegram is becoming a popular choice for those who want to connect from some of the most remote locations and ensure their data and privacy is kept super secure.

You can chat with up to a thousand members in a group, send documents, store your media in the cloud, and so much more. According to its website, Telegram messages are encrypted and also self-destruct (similar to Snapchat) according to a timer you set up. It's known as an ideal alternative if speed and simplicity are what you're looking for.

Tomohiro Ohsumi / Getty Images

Nice variety of stickers.

Voice calling availability.

Follow popular accounts.

Slightly sloppy appearance.

No video calling.

Must download audio messages.

LINE was once considered WhatsApp's biggest competitor, offering all the various features needed for instant messaging. You can send unlimited text, images, video, and audio messages—with options for making voice and video calls as well. It also has its very own built-in social networking feature that allows its users to post their day-to-day activities on their timeline and comment on friends' activities.

• Google Chrome

NurPhoto / Getty Images

Nice selection of emoticons.

Integrates contact list.

No call blocking option.

No tablet support.

Viber is another popular messaging app that rivals many of the other ones listed above, letting you send free unlimited text and photo messages to your friends all around the world.

HD video calls can be made for free as well, and groups can have up to 250 participants. You can add fun stickers to your messages, hide chats you don't want to be visible, and even use the "damage control" feature to instantly delete messages you regret sending.

Multiple device types supported.

User-friendly interface.

Strangers can contact you.

Not designed for minors to use.

Kik is another very popular free instant messaging app that lets you chat with others in a fun and easy way.

Before Instagram had a private messaging feature of its own, most of its users actually included their Kik usernames in their bios as a way to get in touch. It's still a popular app today that offers convenient, multimedia-rich messaging for one-on-one and group conversations. You can even see when another user is typing back to you in real-time.

Only stores pictures temporarily.

Inability to reshare.

Time limits on video length.

Snapchat is a free app that lets you chat back and forth with individual friends and groups using disappearing photo or video messages. They can include optional text-based captions, filters, face lenses, geotags, emojis and more.

After the recipient has opened the message and viewed it, it's automatically deleted. As a nice alternative to sending photo and video messages, you can start a text or video chat with any friend directly through the app for real-time communication.

Instagram Direct

Group messaging ability.

Send videos and photos.

Better for visual interaction than conversations.

No sense of urgency to respond.

Most people use Instagram to share photos and videos while on the go, but Instagram Direct  makes it easy and convenient to privately message individual followers or groups. Facebook Messenger has been integrated into Instagram Direct, so you can also direct message Facebook contacts from Instagram.

Instagram Direct lets you send text messages or optional photo/video messages taken directly through the app that automatically disappear after they're viewed (similar to Snapchat). You can also view who has opened, liked, or commented on your Instagram Direct message in real-time.

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Apr 21, 2024

Essay on The Use of Online Messaging Apps: Revolutionizing Communication

Introduction.

Online messaging apps have transformed the way we communicate, bridging geographical gaps and enabling instant connections. These apps offer a plethora of features, from text messages to multimedia sharing, making them an integral part of our daily lives. In this essay, we delve into the evolution, advantages, and impact of online messaging apps.

Evolution of Messaging Apps

From text-only to multimedia platforms.

During the 1990s, messaging apps emerged as basic tools for sending text messages. However, their functionality was limited to simple communication. Over time, technological advancements revolutionized these apps, expanding their capabilities beyond mere text-based exchanges. Today, messaging apps allow users to share photos, videos, documents, and even conduct video calls.

Advantages of Online Messaging Apps

Instant connectivity.

One of the primary advantages of online messaging apps is their ability to connect people instantly. Whether you’re across the street or across continents, these apps facilitate real-time communication. Friends, family, and colleagues can exchange messages effortlessly, breaking down barriers of distance.

Business and Work Applications

Online messaging apps extend beyond personal use. They have become standard platforms for business communication. Here’s how:

Companies leverage messaging apps to promote products, share offers, and engage with customers. WhatsApp, with its massive user base, serves as an effective marketing channel.

Workplace Communication: Within organizations, colleagues use messaging apps for seamless communication. Team members collaborate, share updates, and conduct virtual meetings. Even when someone is away on a business trip, they can stay connected with their team.

Trust and Accountability: These apps democratize the workplace by fostering trust, open dialogue, and accountability. Managers can create groups for team members, encouraging idea-sharing and problem-solving.

Cost-Effective and Accessible

Online messaging apps are cost-free. Users can download them onto their smartphones, tablets, or laptops without incurring any charges. Even within corporate settings, colleagues rely on these apps for quick communication, eliminating the need for expensive phone calls.

Personal and Professional Use

Individuals can use messaging apps for both personal and professional purposes. Whether it’s coordinating a family event or discussing a project with colleagues, these apps serve diverse needs.

Impact on Communication

Bridging generational gaps.

Messaging apps have transcended age barriers. Millennials, Gen Z, and older generations all embrace these platforms. Texting has become more popular than traditional phone calls, emphasizing the convenience and versatility of messaging apps.

Global Reach

The top three messaging apps— WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, and WeChat—boast billions of users worldwide. They facilitate cross-cultural communication, connecting people from different backgrounds, languages, and time zones.

End-to-End Encryption:

Signal: Known for its robust end-to-end encryption, Signal ensures that only the sender and recipient can read the messages. Even Signal itself cannot access the content1.

Wire: An open-source messaging client, Wire prioritizes security. It offers end-to-end encryption and caters to both paid users and corporate clients2.

Anonymity and Privacy:

Ricochet: Built on the Tor secure network, Ricochet provides impressive user security and anonymity. Messages are routed through multiple nodes, making it difficult to trace back to the sender2.

Open-Source Code:

Signal and Wire both have open-source code. This transparency allows security experts to audit the code, ensuring no hidden vulnerabilities exist1 2.

User-Controlled Encryption Keys:

Threema: Users generate their own encryption keys, enhancing privacy. Threema does not store any user data on its servers3.

Telegram: While not fully end-to-end encrypted by default, Telegram offers a "Secret Chat" feature with self-destructing messages and user-controlled encryption keys3.

Security Measures Beyond Encryption:

Element.io: Formerly known as Riot, Element.io focuses on decentralized communication. It uses the Matrix protocol and offers end-to-end encryption2.

Tox: A peer-to-peer messaging platform, Tox emphasizes security and privacy. It avoids central servers and relies on direct connections between users2.

Remember that no system is entirely foolproof, but choosing a secure messaging app significantly reduces the risk of unauthorized access to your conversations and sensitive data4. Always stay informed about updates and security practices to maintain your privacy online.

Online messaging apps have revolutionized communication. From instant connectivity to business applications, they play a pivotal role in our interconnected world. As technology continues to evolve, these apps will remain essential tools for bridging gaps and fostering meaningful connections.

Mar 24, 2024

Essay on National integration

National integration stands as the cornerstone of a thriving society, embodying the fusion of diverse cultures, beliefs, and traditions into a cohesive whole. 

In an era marked by globalization and interconnectedness, the significance of fostering unity amidst diversity cannot be overstated. Let us delve into the depths of this profound concept and explore its multifaceted dimensions.

Embracing Diversity: A Catalyst for Unity

At the heart of national integration lies the celebration of diversity. Rather than viewing differences as barriers, embracing them paves the way for mutual understanding and respect. Each cultural facet contributes to the rich tapestry of a nation, fostering a sense of inclusivity and belonging among its citizens .

Educational Endeavors: Nurturing Harmony from Within

Education emerges as a potent tool in nurturing the seeds of national integration. By promoting inclusive curricula that showcase the contributions of various communities, educational institutions sow the seeds of empathy and cultural appreciation. Through dialogue and discourse, students cultivate a broader worldview, transcending prejudices and fostering solidarity.

Promoting Social Cohesion: Bridging Divides

Social cohesion serves as the bedrock of a harmonious society, bridging divides and fostering collective action. Initiatives aimed at fostering interaction among diverse groups, such as cultural exchanges and community projects, serve to break down barriers and forge lasting bonds. By fostering a sense of shared identity, these endeavors strengthen the social fabric, laying the groundwork for a more cohesive society.

Empowering Marginalized Voices: Ensuring Inclusivity

In the journey towards national integration, it is imperative to uplift marginalized voices and address systemic inequalities. By dismantling barriers to access and amplifying underrepresented narratives, societies can create a more equitable landscape where every individual feels valued and empowered. Through targeted policies and affirmative action, governments can address historical injustices and pave the path towards a more inclusive future.

Fostering Civic Engagement: Empowering Communities

Civic engagement serves as a catalyst for social change, empowering communities to shape their collective destiny. By providing avenues for participation in governance and decision-making processes, societies can harness the collective wisdom and creativity of their citizens. From grassroots movements to advocacy campaigns, civic engagement fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility, driving progress towards shared goals.

Conclusion: Navigating the Path Forward

In essence, national integration embodies the essence of unity in diversity, weaving together the disparate threads of society into a vibrant tapestry. Through embracing diversity, nurturing harmony through education, promoting social cohesion, empowering marginalized voices, and fostering civic engagement, societies can navigate the path towards a more inclusive and equitable future. 

By championing the principles of empathy, respect, and solidarity, we can build a world where every individual is valued and celebrated for their unique contributions. Together, let us embark on this journey towards a brighter tomorrow, united in our diversity and bound by our shared humanity.

Mar 23, 2024

Essay on "The Future of Scientism"

In the relentless pursuit of knowledge, humanity has witnessed the rise of scientism as a dominant paradigm shaping our understanding of the world. 

Scientism often hailed for its emphasis on logic and systematic study, has undeniably contributed to significant advancements in various fields. 

However, this intellectual framework is not without its criticisms, particularly concerning its impact on moral values and the neglect of human emotions. 

In this essay, we delve into the multifaceted aspects of scientism, exploring its influence on moral development, and emotional intelligence, and the potential consequences it may have on the ethical compass of future generations.

Scientism's Impact on Moral Values

A central critique of scientism revolves around its perceived role in reducing moral values among individuals. In the pursuit of empirical evidence and rational understanding, the ethical dimensions of human existence can become overshadowed. While science can provide insights into the consequences of actions, it often falls short in offering a comprehensive framework for determining what is morally right or wrong.

Morality, traditionally rooted in religious or philosophical beliefs, is increasingly challenged by a scientistic worldview that prioritizes empirical evidence over abstract values. The danger lies in a society where moral decisions are solely based on measurable outcomes rather than a deeper understanding of the principles that govern ethical conduct. As scientism tightens its grip on public discourse, there is a growing concern that moral relativism may become the norm, leading to a potential erosion of shared values that bind societies together.

Emotional Intelligence in the Shadow of Scientism

Another facet of concern arises from the predominant focus of scientism on logic and systematic study, often neglecting the rich tapestry of human emotions and feelings. Emotional intelligence, a crucial aspect of human development, encompasses the ability to perceive, understand, and manage emotions, both in oneself and others. While scientism has undeniably enhanced our cognitive capabilities, the danger lies in the devaluation of emotional intelligence, a trait that is essential for building meaningful relationships and fostering empathy.

In a world increasingly dominated by technological advancements and data-driven decision-making, the risk is that individuals may become emotionally detached, relying solely on logic to navigate complex human interactions. The consequences of this emotional vacuum could manifest in societal fragmentation, as people may struggle to connect on a deeper, more empathetic level. Recognizing the importance of emotional intelligence within the framework of scientism is crucial for maintaining the social fabric that binds diverse communities.

The Moral Vacuum in Today's Children

A pressing concern is the perceived disconnect between scientism and the moral development of today's children. As the influence of traditional moral teachings wanes, the responsibility falls on educational systems and societal structures to impart values that transcend the purely empirical. Children, growing up in an age dominated by technology and scientific advancements, may find it challenging to discern the nuances of good and bad without a moral compass.

The absence of a moral foundation, often rooted in religious or philosophical teachings, may lead to a generation that struggles to understand the deeper implications of their actions. Scientism, in its emphasis on empirical evidence and measurable outcomes, may inadvertently contribute to a moral vacuum where children lack a clear understanding of right and wrong, truth and lie. It is imperative to bridge the gap between scientific knowledge and moral education to ensure the holistic development of future generations.

The Creator's Message as a Moral Guide

In navigating the challenges posed by scientism, it becomes essential to reconsider the role of the creator's message as a moral guide. Whether rooted in religious or philosophical traditions, these messages often provide a moral framework that transcends the limitations of empirical evidence. While scientism may excel in uncovering the intricacies of the physical world, it may fall short in addressing the profound questions of purpose, morality, and the human experience.

The creator's message, whether interpreted through religious scriptures or philosophical teachings, offers a moral anchor that can guide individuals through the complexities of life. By embracing these timeless principles, one can derive a sense of purpose and moral clarity that goes beyond the empirical realm. It is crucial to recognize that the pursuit of scientific knowledge and moral values can coexist harmoniously, offering a more comprehensive understanding of the human experience.

Conclusion: Nurturing a Balanced Future

In contemplating the future of scientism, it is imperative to strike a delicate balance between the pursuit of scientific knowledge and the preservation of moral values and emotional intelligence. As we navigate the uncharted waters of technological advancement, we must not lose sight of the essence of our humanity – our capacity for empathy, moral discernment, and emotional connection.

Scientism, while a powerful tool for understanding the physical world, should not overshadow the importance of moral education and the cultivation of emotional intelligence. The moral vacuum perceived in today's children necessitates a concerted effort to integrate scientific knowledge with timeless moral teachings, ensuring a holistic approach to education that prepares individuals for the complexities of the modern world.

In the intelligent design of our future, let us be mindful of the intricate interplay between science and morality. By embracing the wisdom embedded in the creator's message and acknowledging the value of emotional intelligence, we can forge a path forward that honors both the empirical and the ethereal, creating a society that thrives not only in knowledge but also in compassion and understanding.

Mar 3, 2024

Essay on The Limits of Science for Explaining Life after death

 Science, the cornerstone of our understanding of the physical world, has revolutionized our lives. From curing diseases to exploring the cosmos, it stands as a testament to human curiosity and ingenuity.

 Yet, for all its power, science has inherent limitations. It cannot definitively answer questions about the existence of an afterlife or the concept of creation.

This essay will explore the reasons behind these limitations, delving into the nature of scientific inquiry and its boundaries.

One of the fundamental limitations of science lies in its methodology. Science relies on the empirical method, a process of observation, hypothesis generation, experimentation, and analysis.

This method thrives on the ability to measure and observe phenomena. However, the concept of an afterlife, by definition, transcends the physical realm.

It deals with the continuation of consciousness after the death of the body, a phenomenon that cannot be directly observed or measured using current scientific tools.

Imagine trying to study the wind. We can observe its effects on leaves or feel it on our skin, but the wind itself is invisible. Similarly, the potential existence of an afterlife might leave traces or influence our world, but such traces might be beyond our current ability to detect.

Science can only offer explanations within the realm of the observable and measurable.

Another limitation is the issue of falsifiability. A core scientific principle states that a theory must be falsifiable, meaning there needs to be a way to disprove it through experiments or observations.

The concept of an afterlife, however, is not easily falsifiable. The inability to detect evidence of an afterlife doesn't necessarily disprove its existence, it simply means we haven't found a way to access it yet. This lack of falsifiability puts the idea of an afterlife outside the realm of scientific inquiry.

Therefore the fact of belief in the creator's message through messengers of God is the last and the only left concept for human beings.

Furthermore, science deals with the "how" rather than the "why". It can explain the biological processes that cease upon death, but it cannot definitively address the ultimate fate of consciousness. This question delves into the realm of philosophy and religion, which explore the nature of existence, consciousness, and the soul.

The concept of creation also presents a challenge for science.

Science excels at explaining how things change and evolve, but it struggles with the concept of absolute beginnings.

Current scientific theories, like the Big Bang, describe the origin of the universe from a very dense state, but they don't necessarily address the question of what existed before or what caused this initial state.

Moreover, scientific explanations often rely on existing natural laws. However, the concept of creation often implies the intervention of a force outside those natural laws, a concept that science, by definition, cannot explain within its current framework.

This doesn't mean science can't contribute to the discussion of creation. Scientific discoveries have informed theological debates about the origin of the universe and the nature of life. For example, the theory of evolution by natural selection has led to discussions about the compatibility of God and evolution.

The limitations outlined here don't diminish the power of science.

Science only studies the created object and cannot create from nothing. Whereas the Creator can create something from nothing. That is why Allah's other name is KHALIQ in the Quran. LHALIQ means one who can create something from nothing.

It allows us to understand the world around us in a way that was unimaginable before.

However, it's important to recognize that science is a tool, and like any tool, it has limitations. It excels at explaining the physical world through observable phenomena, but it cannot definitively answer all existential questions.

The human desire to understand the nature of death and the origin of existence is a powerful motivator.

While science may not offer definitive answers, it continues to push the boundaries of knowledge. Perhaps future scientific discoveries will provide new insights into these questions, or perhaps they will remain in the realm of philosophy and faith.

In conclusion, the limits of science lie in its inability to directly observe or measure the afterlife or the act of creation. Its focus on the "how" leaves the "why" unanswered. Despite these limitations, science and the search for meaning can coexist and complement each other. Science provides a powerful tool for understanding the world, while the search for meaning can inspire scientific inquiry and broaden our understanding of the universe.

Mar 2, 2024

An essay on existence of God Allah according to Quran logic

This essay is written by keeping view of Quran, but there is a high respect for other ideologies. Therefore no any negative points are mentioned for other ideologies.you are requested to comment for any mistake while quoting Quran's points.

The Quran, the holy scripture of Islam , presents a comprehensive worldview that encompasses the existence of Allah through various logical and theological arguments. In Islamic theology, the belief in Allah is central, and the Quran provides several logical and philosophical perspectives to affirm the existence of God.

1. Cosmological Argument:

The Quran emphasizes the concept of causality and asserts that everything in the universe has a cause. It argues that the existence of the universe itself implies the existence of a cause – a First Cause or Prime Mover. This First Cause, according to the Quran, is Allah, the ultimate Creator. He is an  uncreated creator, therefore no one can challenge the cause of Allah. 

Allah is ONE its Arabic word is AHAD in the Quran which was used for the meaning of ONE and this word is not used for anyone else Allah in the Quran. The oneness of Allah and the qualities will bring anyone to the truth.

2. Teleological Argument:

The Quran frequently points to the intricate design and order in the universe as evidence of a purposeful Creator. It suggests that the complexity and balance observed in the natural world, from the fine-tuning of physical constants to the intricacies of biological systems, indicate the wisdom and intention of Allah.

Why science is forced to take a constant while calculating gravity. This constant, where scientists are bound to assume few constants, is the reason behind the finetuning of the creator. The creation is so vast that nobody can reach the last end of the sky.

That is why Allah is commanding in the Quran- Look above in the sky your eye will get exhausted and your vision will get returned after exhaustion

3. Moral Argument:

Islamic theology, as derived from the Quran, posits that the human moral conscience points towards a higher moral lawgiver. The innate sense of right and wrong, according to the Quran, is a reflection of Allah's guidance, reinforcing the notion of a transcendent source of morality.

4. Revelation and Prophethood:

The Quran itself is presented as a miraculous revelation from Allah.

The logic here is that the coherence, eloquence, and profound guidance found in the Quran are beyond human capacity, serving as evidence of a divine origin. The Quran also highlights the role of prophets as messengers chosen by Allah to guide humanity.

25 prophets were mentioned in the holy Quran. Allah sent 1st to last prophet as listed below. Arabic name are written first and English names are in bracket. The name list is given below: Adam Alehisslam, Idris (Enoch) , Alehisslam, , Nuh (Noah)Alehisslam, Hud (Heber)Alehisslam, , Saleh (Methusaleh),  Lut (Lot), Ibrahim (Abraham), Ismail (Ishmael), Ishaq (Isaac), Yaqub (Jacob), Yusuf (Joseph), Shu’aib (Jethro), Ayyub (Job), Dhulkifl (Ezekiel), Musa (Moses), Harun (Aaron), Dawud (David), Sulayman (Solomon), Ilyas (Elias), Alyasa (Elisha), Yunus (Jonah), Zakariya (Zachariah), Yahya (John the Baptist), Isa (Jesus) and Muhammad Sallaho Alehi Wasallam. Peace be upon all of them.

5. Personal Experience and Intuition:

The Quran acknowledges the role of personal experiences and intuition in recognizing the existence of Allah. It encourages reflection on one's surroundings, inner self, and the signs in nature as a means of connecting with the divine.

6. Existence as Self-Evident:

According to Quranic logic, the existence of Allah is considered self-evident. The Quran challenges skeptics to reflect on the signs of creation and asserts that the truth of Allah's existence is evident to those who sincerely seek it.

While these logical arguments provide a foundation for the belief in Allah according to the Quran, it's essential to recognize that faith is a deeply personal and subjective matter. Believers often find a convergence of these logical perspectives and their spiritual experiences, reinforcing their conviction in the existence of Allah as described in the Quran.

Jan 18, 2024

Essay on Yemen: Unveiling the Layers of a Nation

Introduction to yemen, historical background, ancient civilizations.

Ottoman and British Influences

Unification of north and south yemen, political instability and conflicts, modern yemen: formation and challenges, geopolitical importance, yemen's cultural diversity, economic landscape, humanitarian crisis, environmental concerns, role of women in yemen, yemen's unique cuisine, the yemeni diaspora, yemen's contribution to arts and literature, current political scenario, yemen's future outlook, frequently asked questions (faqs).

• A: Yemen is grappling with a severe humanitarian crisis due to ongoing conflicts, impacting civilians and necessitating international aid efforts.
• A: Yemen's strategic location has made it a focal point for global geopolitical interests, contributing to the complexity of its internal political landscape.
• A: Political instability, reliance on agriculture and oil, and the impact of conflicts are major challenges affecting Yemen's economic development.
• A: The Yemeni diaspora plays a vital role in preserving and promoting Yemeni culture in vibrant communities across the globe.
• A: Ongoing diplomatic efforts seek to address conflicts in Yemen, with the international community working towards a more stable future for the nation.

Jan 8, 2024

Essay on The Limits of Science: Exploring the Boundaries of Human Knowledge

Science, with its relentless pursuit of understanding the natural world, has undoubtedly transformed the way we perceive and interact with our surroundings. 

From unraveling the mysteries of the cosmos to decoding the intricate complexities of life at the molecular level, science has proven to be an invaluable tool for human progress.

 However, amidst its numerous achievements, it is crucial to recognize that science also has its limitations. This essay delves into the boundaries of scientific inquiry, exploring areas where science faces challenges and where its reach seems to be constrained.

The most challenging part:👉 science is unable to define the reason for the constant activities of the heavenly bodies. 

✔The science cannot challenge the prophetic revelation. 

🤷‍♀️Science cannot stop death. 👉Science cannot formulate human feelings and consciousness. 

🤷‍♂️ Science cannot stop the aging of human beings.  

✔ Science is unable to find the secret of hereafter this life.

The Methodological Limits of Science

One of the primary limitations of science lies in its methodology. Science relies on empirical evidence, experimentation, and observation to formulate hypotheses and theories. 

While this approach has been immensely successful in uncovering the laws governing the physical world, it encounters obstacles when confronted with phenomena that are beyond the scope of empirical observation. 

For instance, questions about the nature of consciousness, human emotions, or subjective experiences pose significant challenges to scientific inquiry.

Consciousness, often regarded as the pinnacle of human experience, remains a subject of great mystery. Despite advances in neuroscience, understanding how the brain generates consciousness is an elusive goal. 

The subjective nature of consciousness, coupled with the limitations of current scientific methods, hinders a comprehensive scientific explanation. As philosopher Thomas Nagel famously stated, there is "something it is like" to be conscious, a quality that escapes reductionist approaches.

Moreover, ethical considerations further limit the scope of scientific experiments, particularly when studying human behavior. Many aspects of human behavior, such as morality, ethics, and individual values, are shaped by complex interplays of cultural, social, and psychological factors. Conducting controlled experiments in these domains often proves challenging due to the inherent variability and subjectivity of human experiences.

The Uncertainty Principle in Quantum Mechanics

In the realm of the very small, quantum mechanics introduces a fundamental limit to the precision with which certain pairs of properties can be simultaneously known. 

This uncertainty principle, formulated by Werner Heisenberg, implies that the more precisely we know one property of a particle, such as its position, the less precisely we can know another property, like its momentum. 

This inherent limitation challenges the classical notion of determinism, where the future state of a system could be predicted with absolute certainty if the present state were precisely known.

The implications of the uncertainty principle extend beyond the microscopic world of particles. It suggests a level of unpredictability inherent in the fabric of reality itself. 

While quantum mechanics has proven to be an immensely successful and accurate framework for describing the behavior of particles, the uncertainty principle raises philosophical questions about the nature of reality and the limits of human knowledge.

The Quest for a Unified Theory

In the realm of theoretical physics, the pursuit of a unified theory that seamlessly integrates the principles of general relativity and quantum mechanics has proven to be a formidable challenge.

 These two pillars of modern physics, successful in their respective domains, present inconsistencies when attempts are made to reconcile them into a single, all-encompassing framework.

General relativity, formulated by Albert Einstein, describes the force of gravity as the curvature of spacetime caused by mass and energy. On the other hand, quantum mechanics, developed to understand the behavior of particles at the subatomic level, relies on probabilistic models and wave-particle duality. 

Efforts to merge these theories face mathematical and conceptual hurdles, leading to the recognition that our current understanding may be incomplete or that a new paradigm is needed to encompass the full spectrum of physical phenomena.

The Limitations of Mathematical Models

While mathematics has been an indispensable tool for scientific inquiry, it is not without its limitations. Mathematical models are powerful tools for describing and predicting natural phenomena, but they are not infallible representations of reality. Models are simplifications and abstractions that capture certain aspects of a system while neglecting others. As the complexity of a system increases, the accuracy of mathematical models may diminish, and the predictions derived from them may become less reliable.

Climate science provides an illustrative example of the challenges associated with modeling complex systems. Earth's climate is influenced by a myriad of interconnected factors, including atmospheric composition, ocean currents, solar radiation, and human activities. Developing accurate climate models requires a deep understanding of these intricate interactions, and uncertainties arise due to incomplete data, the complexity of the systems involved, and the difficulty in predicting future human actions.

Ethical and Societal Limitations

Beyond the technical and methodological limits, science also faces constraints imposed by ethical considerations and societal values. Human experimentation, for example, is subject to strict ethical guidelines to ensure the well-being and autonomy of research subjects. This ethical framework, while essential for protecting individuals, can impede certain types of scientific investigations.

Furthermore, societal values and cultural perspectives can influence the direction of scientific research. Research topics that may be deemed controversial or ethically questionable may face resistance, funding challenges, or even censorship. The intersection of science with cultural, political, and religious beliefs can sometimes hinder the pursuit of knowledge in specific areas.

In conclusion, while science has achieved remarkable successes in unraveling the mysteries of the natural world, it is essential to acknowledge its inherent limitations. 

The methodological constraints, as well as the uncertainties introduced by quantum mechanics, highlight the frontiers where scientific understanding encounters barriers. The quest for a unified theory in physics underscores the need for humility in the face of the vast unknown. 

Mathematical models, while powerful, are not infallible, and the complex interplay of factors in certain systems poses challenges to accurate prediction.

Moreover, ethical considerations and societal values play a crucial role in shaping the boundaries of scientific inquiry. Consciousness, human behavior, and subjective experiences remain elusive to complete scientific explanation, emphasizing the limitations of empirical observation and experimentation.

It is imperative for scientists, philosophers, and society as a whole to engage in thoughtful dialogue about the boundaries of science. Recognizing these limits not only fosters a more nuanced understanding of the scientific endeavor but also encourages interdisciplinary collaboration and a broader appreciation of the diverse ways in which humans make sense of the world. 

While science has propelled us forward in countless ways, acknowledging its limits is a testament to the complexity and richness of the universe we seek to comprehend.

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Not Just the iPhone: Google Needs to Push RCS Texting Even Further

Commentary: For the RCS texting standard to truly replace SMS and MMS, it needs to be on more than just smartphones.

RCS texting needs to take the leap beyond the smartphone.

RCS texting is on its way to the iPhone . But Apple's phones are not the only ones that still lack access to the more modern texting standard. 

Google, which has invested considerably in building up RCS while touting promises of how it could bring typing indicators and higher-quality group chats, spent years pushing for Apple to adopt the messaging standard. It even built features into Google Messages like support for message reactions, in an attempt to make texting iPhone users a little less awful. Finally, by late 2023, Apple announced RCS support would be coming to iOS in 2024, bringing hope that improved texting between Android and iOS, complete with typing indicators and high-quality media, could actually happen.

But if RCS is truly meant to replace the antiquated SMS and MMS texting that most phones have been stuck with for decades, it needs to arrive on all phones. Not just Android phones, and not just Apple's iPhone.

That includes basic phones, like flip phones and other minimalistic feature phones one might turn to for a "digital detox." That also means apps and services that rely on SMS to text a phone number, some of which Google itself makes, will need to adopt RCS. 

There's also a world of alternative Android texting apps that haven't yet been given access to RCS texting. 

It amounts to a lot of devices, services and apps that are still using SMS. But RCS truly needs to be available across all mobile phones and texting apps, not just the iPhone, before we leave old standards like SMS and MMS behind for good. 

The Nokia 2780 can use Google Maps. But for texting it's stuck on SMS and MMS.

Basic flip phones could still use better texting

Basic phones are having their own kind of moment right now, resulting in retro flip phones and candybar-style phones that have more features than ever. HMD in particular has spent the last few years continuing the Nokia phone line by creating basic phones that run on KaiOS, while also developing branded phones with companies like the recently revealed Heineken Boring Phone and an upcoming Barbie flip phone . The company's seen enough success with these devices that the analytics firm International Data Corporation reported that HMD held the lion's share of the feature phone market (30.7% by value and 22.4% by volume) in the third quarter of 2023.

Some of these HMD-developed phones even support a limited number of web apps and services, like Google Maps and in some cases WhatsApp. For instance, my colleague Jessica Fierro recently spent a week with the Nokia 2780 , during which she was able to use it to watch YouTube, get Google Maps directions and use the web browser for most other services. But when it came to texting, the Nokia 2780 was limited to just SMS and MMS.

Even though basic phones rarely crack the bestselling phone lists that often feature smartphones made by Apple and Samsung, these devices clearly have an audience who could benefit from having access to a more modern texting standard. While basic phones themselves are likely to stay limited to T9 texting because of their numerical keypads, the improved group chat support and typing indicators that RCS brings could be a massive efficiency boost for someone just trying to tap out a short text.

Zoom can be used for phone calls, but if you text with its phone number it's stuck on SMS.

Online services are still stuck on SMS

Services that provide virtual phone numbers have been around for a long time, and they are a convenient way of using another phone number without having to purchase a new line from a carrier. They provide features like forwarding calls to any other phone number you would like, enhanced voicemail support and SMS texting. But that latter point is now part of the obstacle that is preventing RCS from supplanting SMS and MMS.

I personally have been a long-time user of Google Voice , as it provides an unlimited voicemail box for my calls while also providing an alternate phone number to use for any reason I want. I also use Zoom Phone as my work phone number, which lets me take calls either from my laptop or from any phone I happen to be reviewing at the moment.

Both services fit my needs well… except for messaging. It's frustrating that these tools are still stuck using SMS and MMS. That's especially the case with Google Voice, since Google has been leading the RCS push with its Google Messages app. I hope these and similar services can soon get access to RCS, and hopefully get a better texting experience that will make them easier to use.

Beeper's relaunched Android app supports RCS, but through an unofficial integration with Google Messages.

Android texting apps largely don't have RCS either

Even though Android has so far been the main phone operating system providing RCS texting, that does not necessarily extend to third-party texting apps. One of the perks of Android is the level of customization it provides. You can swap the launcher if you want better home screen controls, or set up a third-party app store if you need access to a service that's not natively provided by the Google Play Store.

For instance, before Google Messages added desktop support over a web browser, my Android texting app of choice was Pulse SMS . It provides broad access to one's texting app, whether it's on a phone or over native apps for Mac and Windows, along with web browser support. But Pulse SMS does not currently have RCS support , citing that Google has not yet provided a way for developers to integrate with it.

Considering Android's openness, it's odd that RCS integration isn't yet available to third-party developers. Google does, however, work with other phone manufacturers when integrating with RCS. For instance, the Samsung Messages app that's still included as a texting option on Galaxy phones includes support for RCS. 

Beeper, for the time being, supports RCS in its third-party texting app, which relaunched on Android following its attempts to integrate with Apple's iMessage network . But Beeper had to reverse-engineer its way into  integrating with Google Messages in order to make that happen. For now, it appears that Google isn't going after Beeper for this in the same way that Apple did when shutting off its iMessage integration .

It's clear that RCS still has a long way to go before it truly replaces SMS and MMS texting. We'll get our first look at how interoperable RCS texting really is when Apple's iPhone starts supporting the standard to share high-resolution photo and video as  the company said last year , as well as more reliable group messaging, read receipts and location sharing. Other features like encryption will be dependent on Apple's work with the GSMA to improve the RCS standard itself, since Apple noted in its RCS announcement last year that the company will not use another company's encryption protocol -- possibly referring to the one Google Messages uses.

Perhaps since Apple is now working with the rest of the GSMA on the standard, RCS will improve and come to additional phones and services. It could be similar to what we're now seeing with the Qi2 wireless charging standard , which includes some of the improvements that Apple developed with its MagSafe charging . Yet until we see RCS become truly available across all devices and services, SMS and MMS will remain a dominant, yet antiquated, messaging standard.

A Nostalgic Look Back at the Hottest Tech the Year the First iPhone Appeared

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• Create an email message
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• More to explore

Create and add an email signature in Outlook

In Outlook, you can create one or more personalized signatures for your email messages. Your signature can include text, links, pictures, and images (such as your handwritten signature or a logo).

Note:  If the steps under this New Outlook tab don't work, you may not be using new Outlook for Windows yet. Select Classic Outlook  and follow those steps instead.

Create and add an email signature

On the View tab, select   View Settings . 

Select Accounts > Signatures .

Select    New signature , then give it a distinct name.

In the editing box below the new name, type your signature, then format it with the font, color, and styles to get the appearance you want.

Select Save when you're done.

With your new signature selected from the list above the editing box, go to  Select default signatures and choose whether to apply the signature to new messages and to replies and forwards.

Select Save again.

Note:  If you have a Microsoft account, and you use Outlook and Outlook on the web or Outlook on the web for business, you need to create a signature in both products.

Create your signature and choose when Outlook adds a signature to your messages

If you want to watch how it's done, you can go directly to  the video below .

Open a new email message.

Under Select signature to edit , choose New , and in the New Signature dialog box, type a name for the signature.

Under Edit signature , compose your signature. You can change fonts, font colors, and sizes, as well as text alignment. If you want to create a more robust signature with bullets, tables, or borders, use Word to create and format your signature text, then copy and paste it into the Edit signature box. You can also use a pre-designed template  to create your signature. Download the templates in Word, customize with your personal information, and then copy and paste into the Edit signature box. 

You can add links and images to your email signature, change fonts and colors, and justify the text using the mini formatting bar under Edit signature .

You can also add social media icons and links in your signature or customize one of our pre-designed temlates. For more information, see Create a signature from a template .

To add images to your signature, see Add a logo or image to your signature .

Under Choose default signature , set the following options. 

In the E-mail account drop-down box, choose an email account to associate with the signature. You can have different signatures for each email account.

You can have a signature automatically added to all new messages. Go to in the New messages drop-down box and select one of your signatures. If you don't want to automatically add a signature to new messages, choose (none). This option does not add a signature to any messages you reply to or forward. 

You can select to have your signature automatically appear in reply and forward messages. In the  Replies/forwards drop-down, select one of your signatures. Otherwise, accept the default option of (none). 

Choose OK to save your new signature and return to your message. Outlook doesn't add your new signature to the message you opened in Step 1, even if you chose to apply the signature to all new messages. You'll have to add the signature manually to this one message. All future messages will have the signature added automatically. To add the signature manually, select Signature from the Message menu and then pick the signature you just created.

Add a logo or image to your signature

If you have a company logo or an image to add to your signature, use the following steps.

Open a new message and then select Signature > Signatures .

In the Select signature to edit box, choose the signature you want to add a logo or image to.

To resize your image, right-click the image, then choose Picture . Select the Size tab and use the options to resize your image. To keep the image proportions, make sure to keep the Lock aspect ratio checkbox checked.

When you're done, select OK , then select OK again to save the changes to your signature.

Insert a signature manually

If you don't choose to insert a signature for all new messages or replies and forwards, you can still insert a signature manually.

In your email message, on the Message tab, select Signature .

Choose your signature from the fly-out menu that appears. If you have more than one signature, you can select any of the signatures you've created.

See how it's done

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Note:  Outlook on the web is the web version of Outlook for business users with a work or school account.

Automatically add a signature to a message

You can create an email signature that you can add automatically to all outgoing messages or add manually to specific ones.

Select Settings   at the top of the page.

Select Mail >  Compose and reply .

Under Email signature , type your signature and use the available formatting options to change its appearance.

Select the default signature for new messages and replies.

Manually add your signature to a new message

If you've created a signature but didn't choose to automatically add it to all outgoing messages, you can add it later when you write an email message.

In a new message or reply, type your message.

If you created multiple signatures, choose the signature you want to use for your new message or reply.

When your email message is ready, choose Send .

Note:  Outlook.com is the web version of Outlook for users signing in with a personal Microsoft account such as an Outlook.com or Hotmail.com account.

Related articles

Create and add an email signature in Outlook for Mac

Create an email signature from a template

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Google Store

Fitbit․com shop closes, replaced by google store.

Following the “ Google Fitbit ” branding change last month, the fitbit.com online shop is no more, with the Google Store taking over.

Until recently, Fitbit maintained its pre-existing store from before the acquisition. There are still product pages on fitbit.com, but everything has a “Buy on Google Store” button. (It’s probably worth keeping that domain — brand + .com — around for the foreseeable future.) The latest store.google.com prices and discounts are reflected on the listings.

A message explains how: “Fitbit is now part of Google, so your checkout and purchase will be completed on Google Store.”

This is a small change in the grand scheme and one we expected once the Google Store in March added a slew of smartwatch and tracker accessories, including bands, charging cables, and the Aria Air scale. The Watches & Trackers landing page was also thoroughly revamped.

The consolidation also helps streamline inventory and management. Back in January , Fitbit moved its Help Center to Google’s infrastructure.

Speaking of fitbit.com, Google earlier this week fixed a bug wherein the Fitbit Dashboard would be blank.

More on Fitbit:

• Fitbit app rolling out Sleep stats redesign on Android, iOS
• Google Fitbit wants to give you insight & actionable information, not just stats
• Google Home routines can now include your Fitbit stats
• Fitbit app rolling out new Health Connect stats integration

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