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?

  • solomonschuler@lemmy.zip
    1·
    21 hours 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.

  • Goldmaster@lemmy.ml
    9·
    1 day ago

    Use Signal,

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

  • FriendOfDeSoto@startrek.websiteEnglish
    171·
    2 days ago

    What confuses me about this scenario you’re painting is this: it doesn’t matter which app is better than WhatsApp for your mother to navigate if none of the contacts she texts with are willing to move with her. She’s not breaking off contact with folks over a GUI issue, is she? Or is she only using it with you?

    Also, random messages not going through has not been an issue in the “war” between Android and iOS so far as I can see. Image quality of attached images, getting spammed with a new text for every reaction of a user in iMessage on the Android side, and some rare messages in group chat contexts that originated in iMessage were issues (and they’re not anymore IIRC). Now, if those are the ones you mean with “random messages” then okay. Did you or she convince all her contacts to move to WhatsApp as a result? If so, once again, moving her off it won’t do any good unless everybody follows along with her.

    A move off of WhatsApp and to Signal is recommended from a privacy point of view. Meta is a terrible company. Signal is less bloated than WhatsApp. Beyond that I think they’re all roughly similar in functionality and user interface. By which I mean equally confusing for somebody over 60 today.

  • bowreality@lemmy.ca
    8·
    2 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)

    • Cooper8@feddit.onlineEnglish
      2·
      2 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·
        1 day 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