Facebook has been pushing people to download the Messenger app for a while now, but it looks like the social network is getting even more aggressive.
According to a new report from TechCrunch, the company is making it difficult to use Messenger on its mobile website and likely plans to kill that feature entirely pretty soon. Attempting to check your messages using Facebook’s mobile site on Android now apparently redirects you straight to the Google Play page for the Messenger app.
I tried this on an iPhone and I didn’t have any issues, however it may just take some time before it affects all users and platforms.
The report notes that it’s still possible to use Facebook’s mobile site to chat, but it’s not easy. After you get redirected, you can jump back to the browser to see a warning that “your conversations are moving to Messenger.” Click the tiny “X” to see your current conversations, but actually tapping on one will send you right back to Google Play. Return to the browser again, close that warning message (again), and you can finally start chatting.
At this point, it may just be easier to give in and download the Messenger app, since the workaround probably won’t be available for much longer.
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My solution was ingenious! I deleted my Facebook account 2 months ago! Best decision ever. Since my friends know that I am not on Facebook – we make more of an effort to stay in touch. Deleting Facebook has improved the quality of my friendships.
If you had poor quality friendships it was because of you not Facebook. Put the blame where it belongs. Don’t blame Facebook for your lack of effort.
I hear you – I accept responsibility for not making the effort. My friends will probably also take responsibility. That does not change the fact that Facebook is not good for one’s friendships or mental health in my opinion.
You can google the information yourself. There are lots of articles pointing out that Facebook is not a good influence on friendships / relationships. I will let you figure out what’s good for you. Please do not figure out what’s good for me since you do not know me.
That was a very douchy attack
You gotta love how they think. Show the share holders more downloads not by making a reason for the public to download but forcing them.
thank you Facebook helping encourage me to get rid of Facebook!
I’ve only ever used Facebook for private groups and only check in occasionally on my laptop. I don’t have any ‘friends’ that I follow. My real friends know I’m not on Facebook and phone or email me if there’s something important. Saves me from wasting time looking through photos of pets or parties, or reading opinions or gossip.