WhatsApp tweeted: “Rethinking your message? Now you’ll have a little over 2 days to delete your messages from your chats after you hit send.” At a glance, it looked as though some Twitter users were happy about this announcement while others were unsure what they thought about it.
9To5Mac reported that while iMessage is getting the option to “unsend” messages for the first time with iOS 16 beta, WhatsApp already provides a similar feature. However, the Meta (Facebook)-owned messaging app is now releasing an update that will let users delete messages up to two days after they were sent.
According to 9to5Mac, WhatsApp users will have 2 days and 12 hours to delete a message after sending it. Previously, this limit was only 1 hour, 8 minutes, and 16 seconds- that was specific. In order to delete a message sent in WhatsApp, all you need to do is tap and hold it for a few seconds, then tap the “Delete” button.
9to5Mac also stated that In the first beta versions of iOS 16, users had 15 minutes to unsend a message. Now with the latest betas, this limit has been reduced to only two minutes. WhatsApp and iMessage competitor Telegram lets users edit and delete messages without any limits.
The Verge provided more details. To start using the new WhatsApp feature right now, open up the WhatsApp group or individual chat where you sent the message(s). Make sure to tap and hold the content you want to get rid of, click “Delete,” and then select either “Delete for everyone” or “Delete for me.”
The Verge also reported in order to use the “Delete” options, you have to be updated to the most recent version of WhatsApp in order for this to work. And you won’t actually receive a notification if the message didn’t delete.
Overall, the best way to be comfortable on social media is to never post something that you wouldn’t want the world to see. Try and avoid saying mean things about a mutual friend who also uses WhatsApp. The thing you said could be passed around by one or more of your other WhatsApp friends.
You also shouldn’t post NSFW content, or details about whatever crime you want to commit (or have already committed) on any social media site. The first one might lead to embarrassment for yourself (and potentially others who saw it). The second one could potentially connect you to whatever crime you intended to do (or already did).
In short, be smart! Don’t post personal things on social media, especially in a public post.