The popular messaging app WhatsApp is making moves towards becoming more than just a chat platform, introducing a new feature that allows users to see who has been “recently online.” This feature is aimed at encouraging users to start new conversations with their contacts. Currently, WhatsApp displays information about whether a contact is “online” or when they were “last seen,” but the new update will provide more specific details about when someone was recently online.
According to feature tracking website WABetaInfo, the update is currently only available to a select group of beta testers, but it will be rolled out to more users in the coming weeks. The feature will be accessible on both Android and iOS versions of WhatsApp. However, users who have disabled their “last seen” and “online” status will not appear on the “recently online” list, preserving their privacy.
The move towards a more social networking-style platform is part of WhatsApp’s broader strategy to encourage more interaction between users. In recent years, the app has added features like WhatsApp Channels, Instagram Stories-inspired Statuses, and now availability markers to enhance its functionality. Additionally, the recent update to the Communities tool allows users to create events where attendees can see who else is planning to attend and receive notifications as the event approaches.
Meta, the parent company of WhatsApp, has also introduced replies to Announcement Groups within Communities, making interactions between admins and group members more interactive. Replies are grouped together and minimized, requiring users to click on them to view the full conversation. Notifications for these replies will also be muted to reduce distractions for group members.
Overall, WhatsApp’s move towards a more social networking-focused platform reflects a shift in how people use messaging apps to connect with their contacts. By introducing new features like the ability to see who has been recently online and enhancing community interaction, WhatsApp is aiming to become a more central hub for communication and socializing. As the update rolls out to more users in the coming weeks, it will be interesting to see how these changes impact the user experience and engagement on the platform.
