WhatsApp; The App that was bought for 19 Billion by Facebook.

Authority, possession of control and influence over others are the first thoughts that pop into my head when I think of the word ‘power’. Sometimes you don’t know but you are given privilege because of your status (Kuttainen, 2017). Nowadays, in spite of the downside that comes along with it, most people seek for power and popularity through social media.

The social network I decided to research for my blog assignment between week 3 and week 6 is WhatsApp. This messaging app and its power through the social network is reasonably easy to understand and operate. Over the course of 7 years from the time it was first launched, I noticed a massive increase use of WhatsApp amongst my friends and family. I finally joined WhatsApp in 2016 after my family and friend’s continuance persuasion to download the app. The app is more than just a messaging app, you can connect with other WhatsApp users through; messaging, voice call, recording, video call and so much more. Unlike other messaging apps, WhatsApp has an end to end encryption so it's reasonably secure (Burrell, 2017). As I became more aware of the knowledge and power through the social network that WhatsApp came with it, I soon came the realisation that the connection WhatsApp has over other social networks is way bigger than what it seems. Our own understanding of the true nature of power is not at the same perception that our knowledge can comprehend compare to that of our readings did this week. “Power is not some ‘thing’ that moves and it does not traverse and transect places or communities so that we be forgiven for thinking that it is all encompassing” (Allen, 2003). When I step out of my home each day, it seems as though human beings have developed a daily routine and an obsession with social media to a point where it’s uncontrollable.

(Cavcaliuc, (n.d))

We rarely stop to think of the time consuming that comes along with social network and the power of connection that that keeps each and every one of us connected. Just as Professor Nicholas Christakis explained in his report, “This network that’s changing across time, it moves, things flow within it, people die but it doesn’t die” (Christakis, 2010). One of the main issues that I have with WhatsApp, is the fact that some people create a situation where they ‘have’ to use the app at a wrong time such as; at a restaurant or texting and driving and this can cause a problem for everyone. Despite the fact that Social media apps such as WhatsApp can limit the actual time we 'should' be spending with our friends and family it has some positive outcomes that come with it such as; being able to freely communicate with our friends and family where in the world that they may be. Just as Professor Nicholas Christakis finished his speech by saying that "I think what the world needs now is more connection" (Christakis, 2010).  

References

Allen, J. (2003). Lost Geographies of Power. Malden: Blackwell Publishers.

Burrell, H. (2017). How secure is WhatsApp? WhatsApp security and encryption explained. TechAdviser.

Cavcaliuc, L. ((n.d)). 6 people sitting on a Whatsapp table.

Christakis, N. (2010). The hidden influence of social networks. TED.

Kuttainen, V. (2017, August 8). BA1002: Our Space, Networks, Narratives and the making of place, lecture 3. Townsville , Australia.