In a trend we have seen for some time now, messaging platforms are embracing as many security features as possible. The Facebook staple is doing the same, which started with WhatsApp’s disappearing messages. Facebook Messenger is adding a Vanish Mode which makes messages disappear after they’re seen and the chat is closed. This is in contrast to WhatsApp’s feature that only deletes messages after seven days.
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In a press release, Facebook names memes, GIFs, stickers, or reactions as the best application for the new feature. It says that there may be no issue in sending them at that point in time, but you may not want them to stick in your chat history. It adds that idea is to “be in the moment, and share with close friends and family without worrying about your chats sticking around.”
The new Vanish Mode feature is opt-in only, where both parties in the chat need to approve it for it to become active. The security features built into it includes being notified if someone takes a screenshot of your chat while you’re in vanish mode.
To enable the feature swipe up on your phone in an existing chat thread, which will take your chat directly to vanishing mode. Swiping up on the thread again will take you back to normal chat mode. Facebook has added an explainer screen that appears when you first swipe up. Facebook has also added an explainer screen that appears when you swipe up to enable it for the first time.
The new feature will take some time to make it to everyone around the world. At the moment it is only available in the North American market and “a handful of other countries.” Next up will be the EU while the rest of the world can expect it towards the end of the year.
