In an attempt to find out why people are using a messaging app riddled with security flaws, I sat down with a couple of friends who use Kik Messenger. Here’s what they had to say.
Why did you decide to use Kik?
This article is Part Two of a two-part series. Read Part One here
ANGIE: [laughs] My 16-year-old siblings almost only use Kik. So it was mostly for them.
ELLA: Because a Tinder connection wanted me to. I thought I had a chance of getting laid. [laughter]
Are you concerned about privacy or security when communicating on your phone?
ANGIE: Yes. I think everyone is. Suddenly everything is “in the cloud.”
ELLA: No, I have nothing to lose. [laughs]
Why don’t you just use iMessage or SMS?
ANGIE: Well, I think the 16-year-olds only have prepaid phones, so they can just use Kik when they’re on wi-fi and it’ll be free.
For people who aren’t 16, I have no idea why someone would use it. The emojis are even uglier. Maybe if you don’t have an iPhone, I get it.
ELLA: I don’t know his reason. But since I didn’t get laid I switched to SMS.
But on Kik I can see when someone has read my message. Then I can tell if they just don’t care enough to reply.
Have you ever received any unusual messages or spam?
ANGIE: Yes. Some spam. And a guy who said he had a foot fetish and asked me to take pictures of my feet. Super random.
Do you think people use Kik and WhatsApp for the same reasons? Because it’s free to message over wifi with people who don’t have iPhones?
ANGIE: Hmmm, I don’t know. That’s one reason.
My friends in other countries use WhatsApp and a lot of my friends who travel (to communicate internationally). So they’re the only ones I’m talking to on WhatsApp.
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Actual user reviews of Kik Messenger from the Android app store
Seriously. Make it more safer. Their are ways!
God, I’m so fucking depressed and desperate. Let me know if you need help with life.
Worst app ever. Do not download. Here’s my username.
My 8-year-old son keeps getting sexually explicit messages so I’m about to delete this app. I mean, when things get unsuitable for a child. Until then I’ll just keep on parenting. … By the way, three stars.
I know! Right? So unipropreout.
I don’t know if this is happening to other people because spammers typically focus all their energy on a single person.Other than the potential viruses and identity theft, I love it. Four stars.
It takes several days to deliver a message and you gave it four stars? You might be even happier when you switch to postcards.
Some one teach how use space bar . And make smiley right way . Must be cute . Sweet Celica bro . Hit me up at im.a.big.dumb.jackassThis article is Part Two of a two-part series. See Part One.
