My mother currently uses WhatsApp but really doesn’t like the way it looks and feels.

She’s not very tech-savvy, so I want to find a messaging app that is:

Easy to use for someone older

Similar core functionality (text, voice, video)

Privacy-friendly if possible

She originally got into WhatsApp because while using regular texting, random messages wouldn’t go through, due to the whole ios/android wars.

I’ve looked at Signal, Threema, Session, and a few others, but I’m not sure which would be the smoothest transition from WhatsApp for her.

What would you recommend for older users who are coming from WhatsApp but want something simpler or more pleasant to use?

  • xeroxguts@lemmy.dbzer0.com
    3·
    2 days ago

    My family has all switched to Signal, including family overseas in Europe (non-English speaking, varying age groups). It has all the features you mentioned, as well as gif responses my aunt and parents are into. Personally I find the look and feel of it to be preferable to whatsapp as well. It’s not as visually cluttered imo and has none of the spam/scams I had been getting on whatsapp.

    I also use signal now as my primary messenger over sms or anything else. I love being able to edit responses and emoji react even tho I don’t have an iphone anymore. Plus all the added security of encryption of course.

  • Goldmaster@lemmy.ml
    9·
    3 days ago

    Use Signal,

    It’s what I advice my clients to use and it’s much cleaner and easier due to being less bloated.

  • bowreality@lemmy.ca
    8·
    4 days ago

    I am trying Delta chat. Seems easy to use and secure. (Not sure if they do voice yet but audio files for sure)

  • solomonschuler@lemmy.zip
    1·
    3 days ago

    I’ve been using delta chat for about a year now and I will say I really do like it compared to signal.

    For one thing, email encryption (yes the fucking bedbug of the internet) is being used here, it’s decentralized, and just recently (on android) they’ve added phone calling functionality… fucking phone calling functionality on email encryption.

    I’ll say signal isn’t any safer (in terms of privacy and security) than WhatsApp, and i had a revelation that all centralized messaging services aren’t any better than WhatsApp even the proclaimed privacy focused ones. I have two reasons for this: 1.) They have the option to flick a switch and monetize their entire platform, that includes selling data to data brokers and other individuals. 2.) Because it is centralized it’s easier for hackers to breach and easier for governments to get user data.

    I’m not saying that signal is monetizing their platform, but compared to their decentralized counterparts, they have the option to do so. Delta chat requires building a new messaging service from the ground up, if they wanted to monetize.

    My only complaint is, since it is on email encryption, I can’t receive SMS messages, so everyone would have to transition to delta chat (atleast if you plan to use a chatmail) to get the same network as before. You can also create an account using your personal email and send messages via email.

    • Tundra@sh.itjust.worksEnglish
      1·
      16 minutes ago

      Signal isnt any safer than WhatsApp? I get that they both use the same protocol (signal) but some disagreements:

      • whatsapp is owned by meta (profit driven data harvesters)

      • The automatic backups on whatsapp are stored without encryption

      • The whatsapp AI can also potentially leak conversational content

    • Cooper8@feddit.onlineEnglish
      2·
      3 days ago

      Looks like the F-Droid link just goes to the main ArcaneChat page. What are the advantages vs ArcaneChat?

      • partygap@programming.dev
        3·
        3 days ago

        I’m highlighting this app primarily due to the similarity in names: “Whatsup” and “Whatsdown!”

        While Delta Chat and its various client forks attempt to replicate the Telegram interface, they fail to capture the true essence of WhatsApp. As a result, the user experience skews more toward Telegram rather than WhatsApp. Personally, I haven’t extensively used WhatsApp, and my experience with Telegram is limited; telegram spy and ban people, whatsapp just spy This leads me to prefer alternatives (but there is just an empty box of options💘)

        I recommend trying SimpleX Chat. Its initial setup is straightforward, but I do find ongoing usage somewhat challenging, particularly regarding network (yes, they have an interesting network) connectivity. Nevertheless, it offers a secure solution right out of the box more secure than XMPP, Matrix, Telegram, Signal, or WhatsApp and is relatively user-friendly. (i don’t like p2p, at least today solutions👾)

        It’s also crucial to understand that switching between messaging apps is not as seamless as changing web browsers, operating systems, or PDF readers. When migrating from one platform to another, you often risk losing your contacts and can only communicate with those who have also made the switch. For example, if your friends and family predominantly use WhatsApp, you will need to adopt it as well. Failing to do so may lead you to discover a superior messaging app, but without anyone to connect with