You use Threema, but your contacts can’t get away from WhatsApp and Co.? If this situation sounds familiar, here are a few practical tips and arguments that can help you convince those around you to use a messaging service that respects their privacy.
Some people don’t want to be persuaded of an idea but would rather hear briefly and concisely what advantages a change of app has in store for them. Why switch to a new app if the current one works just fine? Think of a few short arguments that you can put forward if someone asks why you are turning your back on WhatsApp. Here are a few examples:
I want to use more European products and therefore try to avoid US chat apps.
WhatsApp tracks my communication behavior, creating a profile of me that is used for advertising purposes. I do not want to support a business model like this.
I don’t want to disclose personal data and therefore prefer a messaging service that does not require a telephone number or email address.
I do not want to support surveillance capitalism.
I don’t want to contribute to cementing the monopoly of tech giants.
I want to prevent my data from being misused to train AI and therefore use a chat app that doesn’t use AI.
For transparency reasons, I try to use open-source software whenever possible.
Moving your entire contact list to Threema right away could be difficult. We therefore suggest to start with your closest contacts or a small group, such as family, a group of friends, or your coworkers. Often, these people are more willing to download a new app if they want to stay in touch with you and realize that moving away from WhatsApp is important to you.
Since Threema can also be used anonymously, there are probably people among your contacts who have not linked their mobile phone number and therefore do not appear in your contact list. Talk to your contacts about Threema – maybe you’ll find out about someone who already uses the app.
It’s often the purchase price that stops people from downloading the app, even if it’s only the price of a cappuccino. If you want to help your friends out in this regard, you can give away the app as described in this FAQ entry.
Communicate clearly to your contacts that Threema is your main communication channel or that you can be reached better via Threema than via other channels.
As soon as your friends are also on Threema, try to text only via Threema. Groups can help to encourage your friends to be active on Threema.
If you continue to use WhatsApp, change your status to “Text me on Threema.” You can also indicate in your profile picture that it’s better to contact you via Threema, for example with this profile picture:
Send your customized share link to your contacts. When opening this share link on a mobile device, your ID will be added to the contact list in Threema. When opening the link on a computer (or a mobile device on which Threema is not yet installed), a custom website appears where your contacts can add your ID to Threema by scanning a QR code (or download the app from the appropriate store).
You can also add your custom share link to your email signature or use it as (anonymous) contact information on social networks.
If you want to set an example and want to get rid of WhatsApp completely, make sure that your contacts know about it.
Inform your contacts with a short message that you can only be reached via Threema from a certain point on.
Change your status and profile picture to “Text me on Threema” or similar. This way, your existing chat partners on WhatsApp will know where to reach you.
Delete the app (or the account).
