Are you still using SMS text messages? Here are six reasons to stop.
Despite the text messaging revolution of the 1990s, it has declined as a means of communication, at least among young people. While it has quickly become a simple and inexpensive means of communication, some still prefer sending text messages to downloading messaging apps like WhatsApp or Telegram.
If you're one of them, or sometimes use traditional SMS, this article is for you. We'll show you six reasons why you should avoid using SMS on Android these days, especially if you're dealing with sensitive information.
6 Reasons Why You Should Stop Using Text Messages
Before we explain the reasons, it's important to clarify that SMS text messages are still useful, as some communications are conducted over this system (emergency messages, as a reliable alternative when messaging apps crash or the internet is down, etc.). Similarly, they are completely useless for everyday use.
- SMS privacy is "non-existent"
Telecom companies, and even some businesses, can access your SMS data and use it to profile you for advertising purposes. Even governments in many countries have legal mechanisms to access this type of information. In short, your conversations will never be truly private.
- Does not support end-to-end encryption
Unlike other messaging apps, such as WhatsApp, which features end-to-end encryption, SMS messages are sent as plain text over your carrier's network. This means that if someone intercepts your conversation, they can easily read its content.
In contrast, modern messaging apps have impenetrable security systems, ensuring that only you and the recipient can read messages (Signal is one of the most secure apps in this regard).
- Hackers can exploit it.
SMS phishing, also known as text message phishing, is becoming increasingly prevalent. A criminal can impersonate your bank or shipping company to steal your passwords or personal data.
Added to this is the risk of "SIM swapping," where someone gets your number and receives your messages, including two-step verification.
- You cannot delete or edit SMS messages.
Nowadays, it's very common to delete or edit messages in messaging apps. With text messages, however, once you press the "send" button, there's no undoing it. If you accidentally send it to the wrong person, you'll suffer the consequences.
- SMS does not support modern features.
SMS doesn't support voice messages, high-quality videos, stickers, GIFs, or in-app calls. It's lagging far behind current messaging apps, which offer more comprehensive experiences that are more suited to the digital age.
- It may be expensive.
Although many mobile phone plans include SMS, there are countries and tariffs that charge extra for sending text messages. If you send a large number of texts, you'll end up paying more than you need to, while today there are free alternatives that only require an internet connection.
- Time to update
In short, SMS was a game changer, but it's no longer secure or practical. The lack of encryption, privacy restrictions, and limitations make modern messaging apps the preferred option.
You can download WhatsApp, Telegram, and Signal, or even use the built-in messaging features of social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram. This way, you'll enjoy more secure and private conversations with all the features that SMS doesn't offer.