best wifi texting app 2017
In today’s highly connected world, staying in touch with friends and family has never been easier. With the rise of smartphones and the widespread availability of WiFi, we now have the ability to communicate with others instantaneously, no matter where we are in the world. And when it comes to texting, there are countless apps available that allow us to send messages, photos, videos, and more, all for free. But with so many options to choose from, which is the best WiFi texting app of 2017? In this article, we will take a closer look at some of the top contenders and determine which one truly deserves the title of “best.”
Before we dive into the specifics, let’s first define what we mean by a WiFi texting app. These are apps that allow you to send and receive messages over a WiFi connection, rather than using your cellular data. This is especially useful for those who have limited data plans or are traveling internationally and want to avoid expensive roaming charges. These apps also often have additional features such as group messaging, video calling, and the ability to send multimedia messages.
One of the most popular WiFi texting apps of 2017 is WhatsApp. Launched in 2009, WhatsApp has quickly become the go-to messaging app for many people around the world. In fact, as of February 2017, WhatsApp reported having over 1.2 billion monthly active users. So what makes WhatsApp so popular? For starters, it is available on both iOS and Android devices, making it accessible to a wide range of users. It also has a simple and user-friendly interface, making it easy to navigate and use. But perhaps the biggest draw of WhatsApp is its end-to-end encryption, ensuring that your messages are private and secure.
Another top WiFi texting app is facebook -parental-controls-guide”>Facebook Messenger. While initially used solely for messaging on the Facebook platform, it has since evolved into a standalone app that can be used with or without a Facebook account. With over 1.3 billion monthly active users, Facebook Messenger offers a wide range of features, including group chats, video calling, and the ability to send money to friends and family. It also has a variety of fun and interactive features, such as games and filters for photos and videos.
For those who are looking for a more secure option, Signal is a great choice. Developed by Open Whisper Systems, Signal is known for its strong encryption and commitment to privacy. In fact, it is the messaging app of choice for many privacy advocates and even Edward Snowden. Along with standard messaging features, Signal also offers the ability to make encrypted voice and video calls, as well as the option to set self-destruct timers for messages. While it may not have as many users as WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger, Signal’s focus on security makes it a top choice for those who value their privacy.
Another popular WiFi texting app is Viber. Similar to WhatsApp, Viber has over 1 billion users and offers a wide range of features, including group messaging, video calling, and the ability to send stickers and GIFs. It also has a unique feature called Viber Out, which allows users to make calls to non-Viber users at a low cost. Viber also has a desktop app, making it easy to switch between your phone and computer while messaging.
For those who prefer a more minimalist approach, Telegram may be the perfect WiFi texting app. With a clean and simple interface, Telegram offers all the standard messaging features, as well as the ability to create supergroups with up to 100,000 members. It also has a robust search function, making it easy to find specific messages or conversations. Telegram also has a focus on security, offering end-to-end encryption for secret chats and the option to set self-destruct timers for messages.
One WiFi texting app that has gained a lot of attention in recent years is WeChat. While primarily used in China, WeChat has over 938 million monthly active users worldwide. Along with standard messaging features, WeChat also offers the ability to make payments, book appointments, and even hail a taxi. It also has a feature called “Moments” where users can share photos and updates with their friends, similar to a social media platform. While not as widely used outside of China, WeChat’s impressive range of features makes it a top contender in the WiFi texting app market.
Another popular option is Line, a messaging app developed in Japan. With over 217 million monthly active users, Line offers all the standard messaging features, as well as the ability to make free voice and video calls. It also has a feature called Line Pay, which allows users to make payments within the app. Line also has a variety of fun features, such as stickers, games, and filters for photos and videos.
For those who want a WiFi texting app specifically for business purposes, Slack is a great choice. With over 6 million daily active users, Slack is a popular communication tool for teams and businesses. Along with standard messaging features, Slack also offers the ability to integrate with other tools and apps, such as Google Drive and Dropbox. It also has a variety of organizational features, such as the ability to create different channels for specific topics or projects.
Last but not least, Google Hangouts is a popular choice for those who use Gmail and other Google services. With over 1 billion downloads on the Google Play Store, Hangouts offers all the standard messaging features, as well as the ability to make voice and video calls. It also has integration with other Google services, such as Google Calendar and Google Drive. While not as widely used as other messaging apps, Hangouts is a solid choice for those who want a simple and reliable WiFi texting app.
In conclusion, the best WiFi texting app of 2017 ultimately depends on your personal preferences and needs. Whether you value security, a wide range of features, or a simple interface, there is an app out there for you. With the increasing popularity of WiFi texting apps, it’s safe to say that staying connected with others has never been easier. So go ahead and download one (or a few!) of these top contenders and start messaging away.
signs of grooming a child
Grooming is a term used to describe the process by which an individual prepares and manipulates a child for sexual abuse. It is a complex and often covert process, designed to establish a relationship of trust and control between the abuser and the child. Grooming can involve a range of behaviors, from simple acts of kindness and affection to more sinister tactics such as threats and coercion. In recent years, there has been a growing awareness of the signs of grooming and the devastating effects it can have on children and their families.
The process of grooming is often subtle and can take place over a period of weeks, months, or even years. It is typically initiated by someone who is known to the child, such as a family member, teacher, coach, or religious leader. These individuals may use their position of authority and trust to gain access to the child and establish a relationship with them. This relationship may start off innocently enough, with the abuser showing interest in the child’s hobbies and interests, or offering them gifts and attention. However, as the relationship progresses, the abuser may begin to exploit the child’s vulnerabilities and manipulate them into engaging in sexual activities.
One of the most important signs of grooming is the abuser’s ability to establish a sense of trust and secrecy with the child. They may do this by making the child feel special or by telling them that their relationship is a secret that must not be shared with anyone else. This secrecy can make it difficult for the child to recognize that they are being groomed, and it can also make it harder for them to disclose the abuse to someone else. In addition, the abuser may use threats or blackmail to convince the child that they will be punished or harmed if they tell anyone about the abuse. This can be particularly effective if the child is already vulnerable or has a history of abuse.
Another important sign of grooming is the abuser’s attempts to isolate the child from their friends and family. They may do this by spending more and more time alone with the child, or by actively discouraging them from spending time with others. This isolation can make it easier for the abuser to control the child and to prevent them from disclosing the abuse to someone else. It can also make the child more dependent on the abuser for emotional support and validation, which can further deepen the bond between them.
In addition to isolation, the abuser may also use manipulation and flattery to gain the child’s trust and affection. They may shower the child with attention, compliments, and gifts, making them feel special and loved. This can be particularly effective if the child is lacking in love and attention from their family or if they have low self-esteem. The abuser may also manipulate the child by telling them that they are the only one who truly understands and cares for them, and that no one else will believe or support them.
As the grooming process progresses, the abuser may begin to introduce sexual activities into the relationship. This can start off with seemingly innocent behaviors, such as hugging, kissing, or tickling, and may gradually progress to more sexual acts. The abuser may also use pornography or other forms of media to desensitize the child to sexual content and to normalize their actions. This can make it easier for the abuser to escalate the abuse and for the child to feel that what is happening is not wrong or harmful.
It is important to note that grooming is not limited to physical contact and can also occur online. In the digital age, abusers may use social media, online gaming, or chat rooms to establish relationships with children and groom them for sexual abuse. They may use fake profiles and personas to deceive children and gain their trust, and may use explicit content and requests for personal information to manipulate and exploit them. This type of grooming can be particularly difficult to detect, as it can take place in the child’s own home and can be easily hidden from parents and caregivers.
So, what can parents and caregivers do to protect their children from grooming? Firstly, it is crucial to educate yourself and your child about the signs of grooming. Talk to your child about healthy boundaries and appropriate behaviors, and encourage them to come to you if someone makes them feel uncomfortable or asks them to keep secrets. It is also important to maintain open and honest communication with your child and to listen to their concerns without judgment or blame.
It is also important to monitor your child’s online activity and to set appropriate boundaries and restrictions. This can include limiting screen time, monitoring their social media accounts, and talking to them about online safety. It is also important to teach your child about the dangers of sharing personal information and to encourage them to come to you if they encounter any suspicious behavior online.
If you suspect that your child may be a victim of grooming, it is important to take action immediately. Contact your local law enforcement agency or child protection services for guidance and support. You may also consider seeking therapy for your child to help them process their experiences and to heal from the trauma of abuse.
In conclusion, grooming is a dangerous and manipulative process that can have devastating effects on children and their families. By being aware of the signs of grooming and educating ourselves and our children, we can help prevent this type of abuse and keep our children safe. It is also important to remember that grooming can happen to anyone, regardless of age, gender, or background. By staying vigilant and having open communication with our children, we can create a safer and more supportive environment for them to grow and thrive.