By Mendel
Educators and parents are very concerned about the new Channels feature on WhatsApp. Essentially, it turns the messaging app into a social media platform, giving users access to everything the internet has to offer…
In the midst of the controversy, I think it is crucial to step back and consider the broader perspective. Simply getting everyone to leave WhatsApp may not be the ultimate solution to the concerns we face.
While there are (partially) valid concerns about inappropriate content and unsolicited messages (partially because WhatsApp’s content restrictions may not perfectly align with our values), it’s essential to recognize that these issues should not affect an ordinary frum yid for a straightforward reason. Most paid filters have already blocked the channels feature, and the rest are actively working on implementing such blocks.
It says that Hashem prepares the cure before the sickness before the blow, as is clear in this case as well.
It’s well-known that every frum yid, regardless of their chassishkeit level, requires a robust internet filter; there are no exceptions to this rule. This isn’t just my personal opinion; any honest rav will confirm that, from a halachic perspective, having a filter is a necessity.
Furthermore, when we compare an unfiltered device to what these channels offer, the contrast becomes striking. For example, consider the distinction between a channel about movies with occasional updates (meaning random pictures and captions) and unrestricted access to a movie streaming’s entire library on an unfiltered device.
Some may argue that it’s different because they are already on WhatsApp so frequently that avoiding it would be challenging. However, without a filter, the same issue arises with ads, and even if not, the worst content becomes easily accessible within seconds.
It’s ironic that some individuals who have never had an issue with unrestricted access to explicit and harmful content on their devices are suddenly getting everyone else to leaving WhatsApp. Let’s take responsibility and do what we should already be doing: filtering our own devices.
Some might claim that their current filter doesn’t block channels. Well, perhaps it’s time for a filter upgrade? Just as we replace a broken air conditioning filter or upgrade to a new phone when necessary, consider investing in a filter that aligns with your values. TAG offers many cost-effective filtering solutions that address these issues. Moreover, maintaining our values as Frum yidden comes with a price. We willingly pay for kosher meat without compromising due to cost. Let’s prioritize safeguarding our online experiences as well.
Saying everyone should leave WhatsApp is like saying that nobody should use any websites. Instead let’s use tools in a protected and safe way. Just like you can use a filtered browser for many good things without any distractions, you can use WhatsApp to your benefit by simply having a filtered phone.
Is this “op-ed” sponsored by any individual or company?
What the op-ed says makes sense.
Will it also help support filter companies? I guess, but what’s the difference?
Seriously???
We need to educate, educate and when that fails…. More education!
Times have moved on. We cant be archaic about it. We need to teach how to safely navigate the internet as a whole, not constantly forbidding it. You can’t constantly be removing stuff. A bit like the recovering alcoholic…he doesn’t go the rest of his life never seeing alcohol.
If TAG were so concerned, it would be FREE service. Crowd find like everyone else does so it can be delivered free to those who need it most.
I totally agree with you
I really don’t understand why schools aren’t letting WhatsApp be a way of contacting. The more rules school add to the curriculum the more the kids will not listen and want to do wrong!!
and of all your social media. that itself should be enough to convince you to delete them all.
Signal app
Maybe the alternative
People are freaking out about a dumb feature that doesn’t really even have a lot of bad things in it, (trust me, I checked it out.)
Honestly, Whatsapp is THE most easiest to use and intuitive messenging app. Nothing else will replace it. Just learn to trust yourself or get a filter.
It hasn’t been fully released. Rn any rando can’t make a channel yet. Rn is just the tip of the iceberg…
And coming from an avid whatsapp user, signal aint bad
Can you list the names of filters that filter out the channel feature from whatsapp.
Havent heard of any of the mainstream kosher filters being able to do that yet
Mb smart i personally have it already has it filered
I have the Netspark filter, and it blocks the channels. I an very happy with it, there’s no difference between a week ago and now with the filter. I completely agree with the author.
If you have a filter from before, including certain iPhone filter settings, that prevents WhatsApp from updating, then your whatsapp wont have updated to include channels.
But I cannot find a filter that successfully filters out the channels once they have already become available on WhatsApp.
if you need an alternative u can consider wire
Don’t talk for others, the only way alternatives work is if everyone joins (which Btw is not happening)
everyone leave it!
Seems like most are running to signal. Let’s keep it to one to make this work 😊
I discovered that the only time filters work is when I never test them. Almost everyone I meet who “fails” with filters, failed because they tested their filter. For some reason, they decided it made sense to check and see how good the filter was… For the people who filters work, I believe it’s because putting the filter on is an act of surrender. In order for it to be surrender, there has to be something the person is giving up. Surrender means giving something up. Surrender that is only ‘in the heart’, isn’t surrender. For me where I was,… Read more »
Saying that people should get rid of internet all together is out of touch with reality and saying that my kid is chasiish so he doesnt need a filter is
Wait for it
Out of touch with reality
Thats just the facts ask anyone in chinuch 99 percent of bochurim which dont have filters are doing the worst
That is the reality denying it is not chasidish or cool
Its murder
There are times when we have to move on from certain things. This is one of them. The channels bring Whatsapp to be like any other app. It makes life so much easier by just switching to signal which is basically Whatsapp before channels instead of having to download a new filter. We parents need to know about signal
Any recommendation for a good filter?
Tried for a yr from TAG. Slowed down the entire phone and blocked soo many kosher sites when I needed them. I am not missing it…
What about IPHONE filter, that doesnt block the channels?
iPhone filter (Screentime) doesn’t have options to restrict settings in WhatsApp itself.
Teach people how to make decisions. Don’t tell them which decisions to make. The issue is not Whatsapp or internet or filters; it’s empowering every person with information, personal tools, integrity and self respect.
Your naive.
This is a Addiction problem and no one is immune no matter how much self respect they have!
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But Signal is an existing platform that works fine.
It has all the features of WhatsApp.
The only con is that not many people use it. But that could now change
does it have a website or is it only an app? Not everyone downloads apps
iPhone filter does block the channels!
Please explain how this works. I’m not aware of this
Thank you for suggesting https://tag.org/. I was hoping you would include a recommended filter in your excellent article. Much appreciated!
But why are you advocating to keep Whatsapp. There’s other reasons to delete it. Not saying everyone should but it’s not like its an overall positive amazing thing
Either way, thanks for the article
Whatsapp is the #1 lesson hara spreader!
I didn’t need channels to know that whatsapp has always been social media!!!!!
School should be emailing or using text. Requiring whatsapp is like putting a loaded gun in our kids mouth and just waiting for it to go off!!!
Like what happened on a high school whatsapp this summer – IYKYK
Whatsapp is a cancer and should be cut out!!
Before whatsapp..text and email did a perfectly fine job spreading loshon hara. As did a regular phone call.
Whatever your main form of communication is, its all the same…its however you and others choose to use it.
Maybe I’m unrealistic. Maybe I’m old.
I embrace technology and help untechy seniors navigate the internet
If I can control myself from eating treif without issue I should be able to control my internet usage. Under 18 it is up to the parents ( not the school ) to put kosher filters up for their children
After that, if you can’t. Get a therapist not a filter. What’s app helps me connect with my friends but also work remotely! It’s a great source but nothing controls me unless I let it
Would u bring treif food into ur house and then show control? Would u bring in a TV or movies and then expect control? Nonkosher includes not bringing it into your home.
And if you’re old, that helps but many of us are raising children BH and it is realistic to expect things to b challenging.
I have never heard anything so out of touch in quite a while.
Even if this somehow works for you (which tbh i heavily doubt it) if you ask any Mashpia or really anyone that’s lived in the world for more than 2 seconds they’re tell anyone to download a filter.
If you don’t want to use the channels you could just not follow anyone and you won’t see anything and it will be the same old Whatsapp. I think I can control myself not to click on the things that are bad for me. Also Whatsapp has always been social media and channels doesn’t rly change it into more social media unless you start following people. So just don’t click on it and it’s the same exact thing as signal
As a person who’s experience both filters and non filters the WhatsApp channels offer nothing at all if the web is 100 percent the channels aren’t even 1% they have little to nothing but links to other things you can’t even use because of filters, everyone’s fussing over nothing
Everyone is so outta touch.
Like i said earlier channels just got started and the random shmo cant post yet. Give it a little time and channels is full on Twitter…
We all have a choice! Do you want to use what’s app or do you want to get rid of WhatsApp? Up to you!
I’m. The only one who didn’t see it till now?
Honestly it’s nice to get a message from school or teacher but I have tons of whatsapp school groups that I don’t have time to follow, would like to see a Note -Paper Note 📝 like an olden days and my school bus at set time … pta is enough info
mb smart blocks on android and apple
netspark blocks
gentech bocks
tag says says techloq and many others are working on it now
Many filters don’t block channels.
Familylink (android built in filter) doesn’t and neither does Screen time (apple’s built in filter)
Honest opinion: i think in 10 years from now parents will be more on top of their kid’s devices bc they’ve seen first hand what goes down …
In think the most flawe aspect of this article is that overlooking of the fact that the “filter that doesn’t share the same values” on the iphone trumps any 3rd party “TAG” by a mile in it’s protection….
Just about every filter on the market is bypass-able… except for “screentime”