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đź’ˇ TL;DR

  • By using secret conversations on Facebook, users can communicate with one another in a completely private and closed-off discussion.
  • There are two ways to enable secret conversations: on Messenger and Facebook.
  • Using secret conversations brings about both pros and cons for the users.

Introduction

Facebook targets to promote deep online connections. On Facebook, it is normal practice to remark publicly on postings.

However, one-on-one interactions are necessary for some particular circumstances. Thus, Facebook caters to that need with its popular Messenger service using end-to-end encryption as “Secret Conversation.” In this article, we will take a closer look at the definition, the manual user, and the pros and cons of this technology.

What are Facebook’s secret conversations?

A phone display the feature Secret Conversations in Messenger
Facebook introduced Secret Conversations in 2016. Source: Gizmo Times

The secret conversation is a feature introduced by Facebook in 2016. It aims to provide users with more privacy while chatting in Messenger.

End-to-end encryption is used to secure conversations sent over the Messenger app. When a conversation is encrypted, the text is changed into a format that only the sender and receiver are allowed to see; to others, the messages would look like a random combination of letters and numbers.

Besides, users can even set a timer to limit how long each message stays visible during a private discussion.

How to enable or disable Secret Conversations on Facebook

Enable secret conversations on Messenger

For iOS devices

Step 1: Launch the Messenger application, then tap the profile symbol in the top-left corner.

Step 2: Select secret talks by scrolling down.

Step 3: Move the button in a rightward motion.

For Android devices

Step 1: Launch the Messenger application, then tap on your profile photo in the top left corner.

Step 2: Locate secret talks by scrolling down and tapping on them.

Enable secret conversations on Facebook

For iOS devices

Step 1: To begin a new message, open the app and select the pencil symbol in the upper right corner.

Step 2: Choose the recipient by tapping Secret in the upper right corner. Users will notice a padlock icon next to the recipient’s picture once they begin a private conversation.

Step 3: When users want their messages to disappear, tap the clock icon next to where you would input the content to set a timer.

For Android devices

Step 1: To begin a new message, open the app and select the pencil symbol in the upper right corner.

Step 2: The lock icon is visible to users in the top-right corner. To initiate a chat, slide it to the right and enter the receiver’s name.

Step 3: When users want their messages to disappear, they choose the time by tapping the clock symbol where they normally input the content.

What are the pros and cons of Secret Conversations?

Secret Conversations still needs improvement to offer complete privacy for users. Source: Lifewire

Pros

  • More control: Messenger users may have their discussions self-destruct after a certain amount of time with secret talks, making it possible for private conversations to vanish after 30 minutes.
  • Enhanced privacy: Only the receiver and the sender can see the messages in private talks on a single device.
  • Robust security: Messenger leverages Facebook’s advanced technologies to help combat spam and malware.

Cons

  • Not complete privacy: Although Secret Conversations is designed as a private space for messaging, Facebook states that users can still screenshot these messages. Users then may share these screenshots with the third person, revealing the private conversation.
  • Limited functions: Using secret conversation, users will not be able to send GIFs, share videos, or make payments, which may cause inconvenience in some cases.
  • No chat history available: Texts in secret conversations will only be accessible through iOS or Android apps, not in the Facebook chat history. Since users will only view secret chats on one device, there will be no way to continue chatting in a mobile Messenger app if the message is first seen on the web browser and vice versa.

Closing thoughts

With secret conversations, Facebook and Messenger users can share pleasant experiences of communicating privately. When data breaches are increasing drastically in the current situation, having end-to-end encryption conversations can reduce the risk of compromising confidential information. Therefore, secret chats are predicted to be more prevalent shortly.