Senior Living News

Text Messaging

If you have a cell phone, you already have the ability to send text messages to your friends and family. You simply type a message and send it using the recipient's cell phone number. Most phones have a voice-to-text feature that lets you speak your message instead of typing it if your texting app is difficult for you to use. You can also use apps or external devices to magnify the text on the screen to make texts easier to read.

Pros of Text Messaging

Reasons to use text messaging include:

• Easy access on the phone you already use
• Widely used by most people
• Ability to send photos, videos, links and other types of media
• Option to create a group text message to communicate with several people at once

Cons of Text Messaging

Some of the potential negatives of using text messages include:

• Lack of live video chatting
• Delays in messages if you're in an area with bad cell service
• Possibility of misinterpreting the intent of the message
• Need to know the person's phone number
• Only available to send to another cell phone without desktop access

Facebook Messenger

Messenger is the messaging app associated with Facebook. You can send messages through Messenger to your Facebook friends, but it's also available to those who don't use Facebook. Messages are sent instantly, and you can see when the recipient reads the message.

Pros of Messenger

Some of the advantages of using Facebook Messenger include:

• Ability to send messages from a computer or on your phone through the Messenger app
• Option to call or video chat another Messenger user
• No need to know the person's phone number
• Option to use Messenger separately from Facebook
• Most people already have Facebook and Messenger

Cons of Messenger

Factors that make Facebook Messenger less appealing include:

• Requires separate Facebook and Messenger apps on your phone if you want to use both
• Delays in messages to people who don't use Messenger often
• Less secure than some other messaging apps

Telegram

Telegram is a cloud-based app that supports messaging and works across multiple platforms. You can also use it to send photos, videos and files.

Pros of Telegram

People who use Telegram appreciate these benefits:

• High level of security and privacy
• Ability to search by username and phone number
• Messages sync across different devices
• Ability to create groups
• Option to use Secret Messages, which automatically disappear after a certain amount of time
• Ability to customize the look

Cons of Telegram

Some potential cons of using Telegram to communicate include:

• Only being able to connect with others who have the Telegram app
• Ads displayed in some parts of the app
• Requires a cell phone number for signup
• End-to-end encryption not automatic and only applies to some types of correspondence

WhatsApp

WhatsApp started in 2009 and still serves as a popular messaging app. You need to download the WhatsApp app on your phone or use the desktop version on your computer. From there, you can message your contacts who also use the app.

Pros of WhatsApp

Pluses of using WhatsApp include:

• Simple interface for ease of use
• Voice messaging option for people who have difficulty typing
• Ability to use it anywhere in the world
• Options to add people with their phone number and see people from your contacts in the app
• Flexible options, including texting, voice message and video
• Ability to include up to 32 people on a video call
• Options for group chats
• End-to-end encryption for security

Cons of WhatsApp

Some negatives of WhatsApp include:

• Requires a separate app
• Not everyone uses WhatsApp
• Need to know the person's phone number or have them in your contacts

Skype

Skype isn't just for video calls. You can also place voice calls, send instant messages and share files with the app. It works on phones and computers.

Pros of Skype

Benefits of using Skype include:

• Compatibility with other programs including Alexa and Outlook
• Free and premium options to customize what you get
• Easy to install and use

Cons of Skype

Barriers to using Skype include:

• Fees to place calls to mobile or landlines if someone isn't on Skype
• Quality of calls varies based on the available bandwidth

How to Choose a Messaging App

Testing out the different messaging apps helps you find one that's easy for you to use. Consider what apps your friends and family members use regularly. You're more likely to contact your loved ones often if both parties spend time on the app you choose. You might also use different apps for different contacts based on everyone's preferred method.

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