If you’re a WhatsApp user, then you’ve probably noticed some annoying blue ticks popping up on your latest messages. What do they mean you ask? Oh, well no big deal, they just inform whoever sent you the message when you’ve read it. They can also find out *when *you read it.
For the permanently connected or the socially forward, this is probably no big deal. But for those who are lazy, shit at replying or currently trying to orchestrate an aura of cool in the first throws of a complicated relationship, this is the worst thing ever.
Now, you either have to reply to every message immediately or, you’ll have to suffer without knowing what the message said until you’re ready to reply.
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Luckily, since Facebook already screwed us over in this way with the whole ‘seen by’ function in their messaging service (according to them it was ‘a lightweight way to make your messages more conversational’. Oh really, Facebook? Because what it felt like was you actively seeking to ruin our lives), there’s a ready-made hack that’s just waiting for you to use… the Airplane Mode.
So here’s what to do:
Step 1: Receive a message
Step 2: Open WhatsApp so the message loads but DON’T open it.
Step 3: Turn on Airplane Mode
Step 4: Return to WhatsApp, open the message and read it without the blue tick thing happening on your mate’s phone.
You’re welcome.
Here are a few other handy hints you might not know about.
Muting Facebook Conversations
Group messages that consist of 30 people saying ‘lol’ and ‘ha’? Worst thing ever. But obviously you can’t ‘leave the group’ – that’s rude. Instead click on the little ‘I’ in the corner and select ‘mute’ and ‘until I turn it back on’. You can still read what’s being said but you won’t get any more notifications.
Not being 'Seen' in Facebook Messenger
There's a Google Chrome add-on you can download to get rid of the 'Seen' notification. It's handily called the Facebook Message Seen Notification Remover and we love it so.
Replaying a Snapchat
Missed getting a really good look at your friend’s genitals on the Snapchat video he just sent you? Replay it by turning on the ‘replay’ option in the ‘Manage’ section in settings. After you’ve watched a message, tap it once and you’ll be given an option to see it again. It only lets you do this once a day though, so use it wisely.
Have a chat IRL
Who knew? Next time you open up a chat with your friend – take a look at the little phone icon in the top right hand corner. Click it, and you can actually give them a call, video or voice over the internet. No need for Skype.
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Follow Jess on Twitter @Jess_Commons
This article originally appeared on The Debrief.