Messenger is a free encrypted, instant messaging app owned by Meta. Messenger lets users add short videos, voice messages and GIFs to instant messages. Users can send messages to individual people or in group chats, with similar features to WhatsApp.
Messenger sees over 1 billion messages sent every month.
Age Restrictions
Users must have a Facebook account in order to use Messenger. Facebook requires users to be 13 or older to have an account.
Core Functions
The functions included as part of Messenger are similar to many other chat apps:
- Send photos, videos, and voice messages.
- Group chats are available. Remember that there could be unknown people in a group chat.
- Messenger Rooms allows users to instantly start a video chat with up to 50 people.
- Users can play games with friends like quizzes or Space Invaders.
- Share live location for up to 60 minutes.
Risks
- Meta are currently testing end-to-end encryption for Messenger. This means that Meta will not have access to messages sent from Messenger unless the user chooses to report them.
- Messenger has a secret message function called ‘Secret Conversations’. A user can send a message and set a timer within it to ensure the message disappears after a period of time. This could be used to send bullying or sexual messages that cause distress or anxiety.
- Any video conferencing software will present certain risks. Please refer to the section within this app called Video Messaging to learn more.
- There is a separate section called ‘Message Requests’ where users can receive messages from users who are not their friends on Facebook.
- Sharing live locations may place children or young people at risk.
Safety Settings
- Camera access can be switched off by clicking the settings 'cog' at the top of your screen.
- Ensure location sharing settings are turned off.
- Users can block and report other users on the app by clicking the three dots at the top of a chat.
Top Tips
- Only accept message requests from people who you actually know.
- You can use ‘Dark Mode’, which is thought to help the strain of eyes during use and limit blue light that can disrupt sleep patterns.