WhatsApp. I wonder whether it has a secret enchantment to keep its users glued to it. No matter where you are, you would definitely notice WhatsApp users. Be it your house or café, school or a playground, office or a clubhouse, everywhere you would find people exploring this app for one reason or another.
No wonder, this app has gained more popularity than Facebook, Twitter and Instagram could ever reach.
But this was not the reason that fascinated me. I got awestruck when I came to know that its popularity has grown so much because it is used not just for socialising but also for professional reasons.
I had never imagined that tailors, mechanics and drivers would be using it for professional purposes. It was my cousin who brought it to my attention when she narrated her experience.
On Eid, she gave her festive dress to the tailor for stitching. Considering the unprecedented Eid rush, she was concerned whether the tailor would be able to deliver the dress on time. Worried, when she called to enquire, the tailor asked, “Do you use WhatsApp?”
Soon, she received a photograph of her dress on her smartphone.
My aunt too faced a similar situation recently. While moving to a new apartment, she contacted a shifting and transporting company. As she started explaining the location to the driver, he suggested, “WhatsApp me the location.”
After this experience, whenever my aunt needs to book a cab, she simply sends the time and location to the driver using this app.
These incidents constantly remind me how easy life has become due to the advancement of technology.
When my father came here, he used to frequently write letters to people back home in India. Calling every now and then was not affordable. Now it is a thing of the past, to some it may sound like I am talking about a bygone era.
The arrival of the new millennium has revolutionised the communication industry. I wonder what time will bring next?
Till then, keep WhatsApping!!!
(Published in The Gulf Today on July 23, 2016)
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