The biggest problem with WhatsApp is that it is neither synchronous nor asynchronous.
In a synchronous communication system, e.g., phone, when the call is over, the matter is over — you don’t have to keep checking your phone.
In an asynchronous system like email, if someone reaches out to you, you don’t have to reply immediately. So you don’t need to keep checking your emails all the time. (This is changing though.)
WhatsApp is neither here nor there. It is like email but if you don’t reply, people assume that you are deliberately ignoring them.
If your WhatsApp status shows that you opened the app after someone sent you a message and you still did not respond, then your friendship is practically over.
So what’s the alternative? You keep checking it and replying. And so does the other guy. And that is how this dance continues.
And since the whole world has your WhatsApp number, there is little chance of you doing your highest priority work, which often needs focus.
WhatsApp is a blessing. WhatsApp is also a curse. The key is to learn how to use these apps mindfully.
Technology is a tool and you are the master. Don’t let it be the other way around.
– Rajan