Getting started with group discussions

One thing we learned from the pandemic is the importance of staying connected even when we can’t physically be with our family and friends. 

Thankfully, there’s an app for that. Well, there are several apps, but the one many Australians are using to share news and keep in touch is called WhatsApp. 

If you’re thinking about starting a group chat but feel unsure about the right protocols or the security of these platforms, you’re not alone. 

Here’s a straightforward guide to help you get started confidently.

Group chats can be a great way to: 

• Stay in touch with family or friends, especially those who live far away

• Organise events or activities like meetups, dinners, or even online book clubs

• Share important updates like birthdays, health news, or interesting articles. 

If you're new to the idea of group messaging, it’s simply a way to have a conversation with many people at once. Each person in the group can read and reply to the messages, creating a virtual gathering. 

• Download and install the app: If you don’t already have WhatsApp, you can download it for free from the App Store (iPhone) or Google Play Store (Android). There are other apps you might prefer including Signal, Facebook Messenger, or Telegram, but WhatsApp is one of the most popular. 

• Create a group: Once you’ve installed the app:

  • Open WhatsApp and tap the “Chats” tab

  • Click on the “New Group” option (usually at the top of the screen)

  • Select the people from your phone’s contacts you want to add to the group

  • Choose a name for your group (for example, “Family Catch-Up” or “Book Club”)

  • Once set up, you can start messaging! 

• Inviting people to join: If some of your friends or family aren’t on WhatsApp yet, it’s easy to help them join. Simply send them a link to download the app, and once they’re signed up, you can add them to the group. 

Group chats can be fun and informal, but having a few simple guidelines can make sure everyone feels comfortable and enjoys the experience. 

• Ask before adding people: Before adding someone to a group, it’s a good idea to ask them if they’re interested. Some people may prefer to keep their communication private or limit the number of groups they’re involved in. 

• Respect people’s time: Group chats can quickly become overwhelming if there are too many messages. Try to be mindful of how often you send messages, especially if they’re not urgent. If you’re just sharing a funny picture or a news article, it’s fine, but avoid sending too many back-to-back messages. 

• Use clear language: For clarity, try to keep your messages short and to the point. If you’re responding to something specific, it can be helpful to refer to that message. On WhatsApp, you can “quote” a message by tapping and holding it, then selecting “Reply”, so everyone knows what you’re referring to. 

• Be mindful of content: Some people may not want to see political or sensitive content in a casual group chat. Keep the conversation light and friendly, especially if the group is made up of a variety of family members or friends with different views. 

• Avoid sending too many forwarded messages: WhatsApp has a forwarding feature, but it’s a good idea to limit how often you forward messages, especially from sources that may not be reliable. It’s important to fact-check information before sharing, particularly in these times of widespread misinformation.

One of the main concerns seniors have when using apps like WhatsApp is security. Luckily, WhatsApp offers strong protections, but it’s still important to be cautious. 

• End-to-end encryption: This means that only the people in your conversation can read your messages. No one else, not even WhatsApp itself, can read them. This feature ensures that your chats are private. 

• Be aware of scams: Unfortunately, scammers sometimes try to take advantage of people through messaging apps. If you receive messages from unknown numbers asking for personal information, money, or unusual requests, it’s best to Keep SAFE (Secure, Alert, Fraud-aware, Educated) and ignore or block the sender. 

• Check privacy settings: WhatsApp allows you to control who can see your profile picture, status updates, and when you were last online. To check or update your privacy settings: 

  • Open WhatsApp, go to “Settings” and then “Privacy.” 

  • You can choose to make this information visible only to your contacts or to no one at all, which gives you more control over who sees your personal details. 

• Control notifications: If you find that your phone is constantly buzzing with new messages, you can manage notifications in the app’s settings. You can even mute a group for, say, a few hours, a week, or even forever, so you’re not disturbed. You can still read the messages later when it’s convenient. 

• Leave the group if needed: If a group conversation no longer feels relevant or comfortable, you can always leave the group without causing offence. Simply open the group, tap the group name at the top, and scroll down to select “Exit Group”. 

• Be patient with technology. If you're just starting out with WhatsApp or other messaging apps, give yourself time to learn. Ask family members or friends for help if you get stuck. 

• Keep an eye on data usage. Group chats that involve lots of photos and videos can use up mobile data quickly. If you’re not connected to WiFi, it’s a good idea to check your data usage settings to avoid any unexpected charges. 

• Use it as a way to stay connected. Group chats aren’t just about sharing information, they’re also about nurturing relationships. Share a laugh, a memory, or just a quick “Hello, how’s your day?” to keep those connections alive and strong.