WhatsApp Introduces Message Editing Feature for its 2 Billion Users (Free ESL Lesson)
Lesson made on May 25, 2023
- Download Printable Lesson (PDF)
- Download Printable Answer Key (PDF)
Reading Lesson:
WhatsApp announced a new feature that will let people edit their messages. This feature will be available to all of its 2 billion users soon. WhatsApp is a mobile messaging app owned by the big American tech company Meta, which also owns Instagram and Facebook.
What does this mean? Well, if you make a mistake in your message or want to add something more, you will have 15 minutes to change it after you've sent it. To edit a message, you just have to press and hold the message and then select 'Edit'. The person you're talking to will know if a message was changed because it will be tagged as "edited", but they won't see exactly what you changed.
This edit function isn't completely new, as other messaging apps like Telegram and Signal already have this, and even Facebook has had this feature for almost 10 years. In fact, Facebook shows a history of the edits made to a post, but WhatsApp won't be doing this.
Last year, Twitter, the social media platform created by Elon Musk, also allowed paying subscribers to edit their tweets for 30 minutes after they were posted. This makes using these platforms easier and less stressful, especially when you're typing on a mobile phone where it's easy to make mistakes.
Comprehension Questions:
Speaking and Writing Activities:
- Discuss these questions with a partner or a small group.
- Choose one topic and write a response to it. Show your writing to a classmate or teacher.
1. Which messaging apps do you use the most? Which ones do you like the most, and why?
2. What are the advantages and disadvantages to being able to edit messages? Do you like this feature?
3. Do you think some people are addicted to messaging apps? What negative effects can these apps have?
More Reading Practice:
What is WhatsApp and why is it so popular?
WhatsApp is a free messaging app that lets people send text messages, make phone calls, and even have video chats with others all over the world. You can think of it as a way to have all your communication tools - texting, calling, and video chatting - in one place. The cool thing about it is that it uses the internet to do all this, which means it doesn't cost you any extra money like traditional phone calls or text messages might.
WhatsApp became popular for several reasons. First, it's incredibly easy to use. With just a few taps, you can send a message or start a call. That ease of use has made it a favorite among people of all ages.
Second, it's more than just a simple messaging tool. It lets you share photos, videos, and even your location. So, if you're out and about and want to let your friends know where you are, you can do that through WhatsApp.
Third, WhatsApp is a great way to stay in touch with friends and family who live in different countries. Since it uses the internet instead of a phone network, you can call or text people anywhere in the world without having to worry about expensive international charges.
Finally, WhatsApp values your privacy. The messages you send are encrypted, which means they're turned into a special code that only the person you're sending the message to can understand. This means your conversations stay between you and the person you're talking to.
All these features have helped WhatsApp become one of the most widely used messaging apps in the world, with over 2 billion active users. Whether it's for catching up with an old friend, making plans with a group, or having a quick chat with a family member, WhatsApp has made communication very accessible and convenient.
Helpful Links:
More Free Lessons at ESLFrog.com
Copyright © 2023 ESLFrog.com. All rights reserved.