In May 2021, as India was reeling from the second wave of COVID-19, heated discussions erupted about the legal battle between the Government of India and tech giants like WhatsApp and Twitter. Earlier that year, similar debates had surfaced, questioning the role of big tech companies in democratic societies. These conversations highlighted the immense power such platforms hold over public discourse.
Realizing the Risks of Data Monopoly
Like many Indians, I considered WhatsApp an essential part of my daily routine for the past six years. However, concerns about data misuse by tech companies grew stronger over time. The social media debates made me rethink my choice of messenger app. By early 2021, I had started closely following updates to the privacy policies of WhatsApp, Facebook, and Twitter.
In February 2021, WhatsApp announced an updated privacy policy, initially set to roll out that month but later postponed to 15 May 2021. Understanding the power of data and the risks of monopolistic control, I chose not to accept the new terms. From 15 May onwards, I stopped using WhatsApp entirely, informed my immediate contacts, and shifted to Telegram and Signal.
Embracing Life Beyond WhatsApp
When I left WhatsApp, only my family noticed during the initial days. A month after uninstalling the app, I felt relieved and content with my decision. Life became noticeably better. Without status updates, last seen notifications, or endless group chats, I regained precious time and focus for meaningful activities.
Discovering Better Communication
Initially, I feared sharing photos, contacts, and files would become inconvenient. To my surprise, these concerns proved unfounded. Perhaps my limited social habits made the transition smoother, but anyone who genuinely wanted to reach me found alternative ways to do so. Over the past month, I began calling people directly instead of relying on messages, which greatly enriched the quality of my conversations.
Ironically, the app designed to improve communication had, over time, diminished its quality. However, I don’t entirely blame the app developers; it’s also about how we use these tools.
Looking Ahead
Leaving WhatsApp stands out as one of the best decisions I’ve made recently. Apps like Clubhouse and Discord are already filling the gap left by today’s social media giants, offering new avenues for networking and conversation. If similar concerns arise in the future, I won’t hesitate to leave Twitter and Facebook as well.
