Thursday, September 19, 2024 | Rabi' al-awwal 15, 1446 H
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EDITOR IN CHIEF- ABDULLAH BIN SALIM AL SHUEILI

Are ‘good morning’  WhatsApp messages boon or bane?

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THESE DAYS, COMMUNICATION has evolved dramatically, with platforms like WhatsApp becoming integral to our daily interactions.


However, one particular phenomenon that has emerged as a source of frustration for me at least is the incessant barrage of ‘Good Morning’ messages that often come with


either photo or video attachments.


While these messages are often sent with good intentions, they can quickly become overwhelming and counterproductive.


In Oman, the tradition of sending morning greetings is deeply rooted in social customs. It reflects a desire to connect, share positivity, and maintain relationships.


And the rise of affordable smartphones and data plans has made it easier for people across various demographics to join this digital conversation.


As a result, many users log on each morning to send cheerful images, quotes, and videos that often clutter our messaging apps.


However, this cultural norm has morphed into an avalanche of notifications that many find intrusive.


The sheer volume of these messages can lead to frustration among recipients who may feel obligated to respond or acknowledge them. This obligation can create unnecessary stress in what should be a peaceful start to the day.


The impact of these morning messages extends beyond mere annoyance; they can significantly affect user experience on mobile devices.


This issue is exacerbated by the auto-download feature that many users have enabled without realizing its implications.


In my case, my cheap smartphone struggles under the weight of these unsolicited greetings, often featuring sunrises, flowers, or motivational quotes. This has


resulted in the slow performance or even my phone freezing screen.


Despite the irritation caused by these messages, it is crucial to approach the situation delicately. Ignoring or blocking contacts can lead to misunderstandings and


hurt feelings within families or friend groups.


Instead, there are several strategies that individuals can adopt. The most common that I use is to just delete such chats without opening them.


Another approach may be to communicate openly with friends or family about the overwhelming nature of these messages. But for my case, I just can’t because if I do, I know,


it can offend. So I hope through this column, they will get the message loud and clear.


I know that ‘Good Morning’ messages may stem from a place of love and connection, but their overwhelming frequency can detract from genuine communication and user


experience on digital platforms like WhatsApp.


By fostering open dialogue about preferences and utilising technology wisely, individuals can navigate this modern communication challenge without sacrificing


relationships.


Till next, let us use modern communication tools wisely


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