Convenience vs security
Yes and no, Signal is more convenient but convenience doesn’t play into a scenario where I have no way to message someone on a given platform. And most people aren’t interested in a conversation about which messengers they’re using.
Security vs having someone to message.
I’ve tried to get everyone I know on Signal, so far my mom is the only one who uses it and that’s only when she accidentally taps the wrong icon when she intended to send me an SMS.
And then there’s my stepsister who complains about not being able to have a unified chat because she and family are apple while most of the rest of us are android. Signal Diane, it’s a cross app platform that solves your problem…but no it’s not apple so it won’t work…🤬
How about this:
- Tell everyone signal is the best way to contact you because it works on all your devices (phone, laptop, desktop)
- When someone messages you on signal, be really responsive
- When someone messages you on SMS, be really slow, and occasionally mention how sorry you are about missing it
Sadly it’s just not working. I’ve spent time evangelizing Signal, I’ve responded to SMS with invite links to Signal and a message that I’d prefer to use Signal. Just a bunch of no’s and one “just grow up and text me back”.
It reached the point where I could tell I was pissing people off so I gave up. Now if messaging apps come up during a family gathering I just say “you know I recommend Signal” and leave it at that.
I’ve had people refuse to do or adopt something just out of spite because I pushed too hard, I don’t think they would go that far here, but better safe than sorry.
because I pushed too hard
Then perhaps the approach was the problem? Maybe the ship has sailed now, but I’m envisioning something a bit more tactful like:
- inform everyone the best way to contact you is Signal since it’s cross-platform, and be really reachable
- don’t mention it much, unless someone asks why you’re late responding
- keep doing this for months until someone decides to try it out
Don’t get in everyone’s face over it, just mention it once or twice and stick to your guns of being kinda slow to reach over text.
