Difference between revisions of "GroupMe"

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Revision as of 22:27, 7 April 2021

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GroupMe
Groupmelogo.png
Groupme.jpg
"GroupMe App" text
Type Messaging Platform
Launch Date 2010
Status Active
Product Line Messaging Service
Platform platform
Website GroupMe

GroupMe is a downloadable instant messaging application for users to communicate both individually or in groups. Designed as a free platform for its users, GroupMe is supported by almost all computers and phones via short message service (SMS) or pop-up notifications through a browser known as push [1].

Users can send and receive messages without cellular data. To start a group chat, users either add individuals via a phone number or through an invite link. The app may sound similar to instant message through a phone’s typical messaging system (such as iMessage), however, users are not charged and up to 500 members are allowed within a given group[2] within each group chat. This exceeds iMessage's maximum group capacity that only allows up to 32 members in a group chat, depending on the user's service provider[3].

Currently owned by Microsoft, GroupMe has evolved to include polls, photo and video customization, and location sharing. GroupMe has given people the freedom to connect and communicate no matter the distance.

History

GroupMe (then known as Group.ly) was created in 2010 by Steve Martocci and Jared Hecht when they brought their idea of a large group messaging platform to TechCrunch Hackathon. After turning down interested investors, GroupMe officially launched on September 29, 2010 hitting their one-millionth text through the app[4]. By its first birthday, Skype bought GroupMe for $85 million dollars which was later acquired by Microsoft in 2011[5].

Today, GroupMe continues to be a free messaging platform completely funded by Microsoft since there is not a direct revenue stream from its users[6]. As of 2019, GroupMe boasts 10.75 million users in the U.S. alone[7], however this number is predicted to be much larger worldwide.

GroupMe Founders, Steve Martocci and Jared Hecht [8]

Origins

Hecht credits his wife with originating the idea for the app-- applying the ‘reply all’ feature in emails to SMS[9]. In its earliest stage, the text messaging interface worked by texting a prompt to a unique phone number, adding your friends to the group number, and texting that number to relay messages to everyone in the group. The platform’s functions were powered by Twilio, another cloud communications platform[10]. The initial application was meant to keep in touch with friends while at music festivals. Thus, GroupMe partnered with festivals such as Coachella and Lollapalooza to promote the utilization of the app[11]. In the specific geographic area where the event took place, an explosion of users would spread from when it was promoted there[12].

Monetization

GroupMe had raised zero revenue at the time of its acquisition by Skype. In 2011, the company began exploring monetization by potentially creating sponsored or branded groups that businesses could pay for as a method of advertising[13]. Additionally, it planned to incorporate targeted advertising by identifying keywords in text messages to recommend offers and coupons to users, similar to Google’s strategy with Gmail[14]. However, none of these plans were applied in the long term as GroupMe still continues to be a free service that does not generate revenue.[15]

Features

Personalized Groups

A screenshot of multiple groups in GroupMe

When creating a group, the admin can decide whether it will be a closed or open group. A closed group allows only the admin to add or remove users, change the group name, avatar, and topic. An open group allows all users already in the groupchat to add or remove members, change the group name, avatar and topic[16]. When adding an individual to a group chat, members can add new users to the group manually by adding their number or sending an invite link to the anticipated member.

Photo and Video

Users can send photos and videos within the group chat which will be saved through the chat’s gallery located in the group’s settings. They can also use the 'Media Search' function by clicking the ‘+’ sign when typing which will allow them to search or find a GIF, Image, or Video they can add to the group chat. Users can additionally turn these different media functions into a meme where they can add text to the media of their choice.

Location Sharing

Within each chat, users can send their current location to the other group members. This can be helpful if, for example, they’re getting together and need to know the specific location to meet up. To do this, users can click the ‘+’ icon on the keyboard and choose ‘Location’. If you haven’t shared it before on the platform, GroupMe will ask for your consent and allow you to pick the following options:

  1. Allow once
  2. Allow while using the app
  3. Don’t allow
This can also allow users to see where their friends are at a given time[17].
An example of a poll in GroupMe

Polls

Within each group chat on the app, users can send out polls to get a census from all its members. A poll can easily be created by clicking the ‘+’ icon on the keyboard and choosing ‘Poll’. The author can then create a poll question with multiple options members can vote for. There are also customizable features such as setting a date and time when the poll will expire for voting, allowing individuals to pick multiple answers, and having the choice to make it public so members can see which poll option each individual picked.

Calendar

GroupMe installed a calendar feature in 2015 to help groups create and manage group events[18]. Event organizers can create an event directly within the group chat by using the calendar button on the menu bar. Members can RSVP to the event and organizers can also set custom reminders. The created event along with its date and members’ RSVP responses show up directly in the messaging thread.

Ethical Implications

Academic Dishonesty

Ohio State University students were accused of using GroupMe to collaborate on classwork in 2017[19]

Many students use GroupMe for classes to ask general questions and discuss tips for successfully completing the course. However, it has regularly been under scrutiny for students using their platform to violate their university’s code of conduct. In 2017, over 80 University of Ohio students were caught using GroupMe to work on assignments without approval for collaboration, resulting in academic consequences[20]. In cases where students use the platform to cheat in classes, many have been discouraged from using GroupMe and also question whether the app should be held accountable. Are they responsible for the information users communicate with each other, and if so how can they prevent this from occurring? As mentioned in Danah Boyd and Kate Crawford’s writing, Critical Questions for Big Data[21], there are different perspectives that are held accountable for even one action. In relation to these issues on the platform, it's possible not only the students should be held accountable, but GroupMe, too for hosting the platform and continually allowing academic dishonesty to occur without improvements.

End-to-End Encryption

GroupMe does not offer end-to-end encryption, therefore, third parties can have access to messages within a group[22]. When there is end-to-end encryption, messages are sent in a secret code no other person other than those communicating can read. Without this in place, it opens up the possibility for group chats to be surveillanced and access to cybercriminals collecting this data[23]. Therefore, when using the platform, users should be careful of what proprietary information they share as they may not know who has access to their messages.

Similar Apps

Other similar applications to GroupMe are available for download on mobile devices or via laptop. In addition to supporting large group chats, they also differ from the features GroupMe provides.


A demonstration of the Signal app [24]

Signal

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Slack

An overview of the design and use of Slack [25]

Developed in 2013, Slack is an instant messaging platform designed to cater to large groups of users such as a class or business. Within each large group, there are subsections or “channels” used to chat about specific topics. For example, under the “assignments” tab students can discuss upcoming or past assignments due in a class. On the platform, users can share files, images, videos, and start a voice or video call with other members of your group. Depending on the purpose of using the platform, Slack offers three different pricing plans[26]:

  • Standard - for basic features and small to medium-sized businesses
  • Plus - for more advanced features and larger businesses
  • Enterprise Grid - for very large businesses with regulations

With over 10 million daily users, Slack has established itself as a leader in group messaging especially among businesses[27] allowing easier communication and collaboration. Similar to GroupMe, Slack does not allow end-to-end encryption, allowing individual businesses to manage how data is controlled and viewed when using the platform[28] . Therefore, organizations can download and see private channels or direct messages without the users’ knowledge.

Hangouts

Messages [29]

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WhatsApp

WhatsApp [30]

WhatsApp (owned by Facebook) is one of the most successful and used messaging platforms in the world with over 55 billion texts sent every day [31]. The app uses free wifi connection to send messages without using cellular data while also allowing video and voice calls. When users aren’t connected to a reliable WiFi source, the platform will tap into individuals’ data usage instead of accumulating SMS fees. WhatsApp has become particularly popular amongst international communication, infiltrating into various regions with it being the top messaging app in 112 countries [32]. When communication between areas can be pricey, WhatsApp provides a free alternative with the same perks of typical phone messaging. Unlike GroupMe, WhatsApp also hosts end-to-end encryption [33] - keeping messages safely secured amongst users.

Discord

Discord [34]

Released in May 2015, Discord is a free application which allows users to communicate directly through voice, video, or text.[35] The platform is based around servers, communities where users of similar interests are able to gather and interact with one another. These servers can either be public or private. While public servers allow users to join freely, private servers require people to have an invitation from an existing member of the server for them to join. Within these servers exist text and voice channels. In text channels, users can send messages, upload files, and share images with other users within that channel. In voice channels, users can host voice and video chats, play music, and share their screens with other users within that channel. Discord also offers direct messaging. Users can create groups of up to 10 people where members can directly text, share files, and call one another.

Discord offers a subscription service called Discord Nitro.[36]It is offered for a monthly price of $10 USD or an annual price of $100 USD. The subscription enhances the experience of the user by offering a multitude of benefits. Benefits include:

  • Better Emojis: Subscribers can make their own custom and animated emojis.
  • Bigger Uploads: Subscribers can upload files of up to 100MB.
  • HD Video: Subscribers can stream at a higher quality. They can either stream up to 1080p at 30 FPS, or 720p at 60 FPS.
  • Personal Profile: Subscribers can have an animated profile picture and display badges.

Unlike GroupMe, which is a mobile messaging app, Discord is both a mobile and desktop app. It is offered on Windows, macOS, Android, iOS , iPadOS, Linux, and web browsers. With over 150 million active users, Discord has established itself as a leader in group messaging especially among gamers.[37] Similar to GroupMe, Discord does not use end-to-end encryption and instead uses standard encryption.

References

  1. GroupMe. “About GroupMe”
  2. Microsoft. “Can I Increase the Group Limit in GroupMe?”
  3. Hays, Leanne. “How Many People Can Join a Group Text on an iPhone or iPad?” 3 March, 2020
  4. Shontell, Alyson. “How GroupMe Sold For $85 Million Just 370 Days After Launch” 22, Aug. 2011
  5. Carr, Austin.“Skype’s Acquisition of GroupMe Gives Microsoft A Social Life” 23, Aug. 2011
  6. Davis, Brett.“How Does GroupMe Make Money + Everything Else To Know” 21, Jan. 2021
  7. Statista.“Most popular mobile messaging apps in the United States as of September 2019, by monthly active users” Sep. 2019
  8. Shontell, Alyson. “How GroupMe Sold For $85 Million Just 370 Days After Launch” 22, Aug. 2011
  9. Mixergy.“GroupMe founder on his $80M exit (and why he’s building his new company differently)” 6, Dec. 2017
  10. Lynley, Matthew.“Group texting startup GroupMe raises $10.6M despite being a long way from revenue” 6, Jan. 2011
  11. Rosman, Katherine.“Brunch Plans Made Easy on the Thumbs” 2, Mar. 2011
  12. Mixergy.“GroupMe founder on his $80M exit (and why he’s building his new company differently)” 6, Dec. 2017
  13. Lynley, Matthew.“With GroupMe’s acquisition, zero revenue companies are back in style” 22, Aug. 2011
  14. Rosman, Katherine.“Brunch Plans Made Easy on the Thumbs” 2, Mar. 2011
  15. Davis, Brent. "How Does GroupMe Make Money" 21, Jan. 2021
  16. Microsoft.“What are Closed Groups in GroupMe?”
  17. Ehrlich, Brenna.“GroupMe Users Now Can Add Location & Share Photos” 11 March, 2011
  18. Garun, Natt.“GroupMe adds a new Calendar feature to help groups organize events” 10 Feb. 2015
  19. Schilken, Chuck. “Ohio State applies to trademark the word ‘the.’ What in THE hell is going on?” 14, Aug. 2019
  20. Schladebeck, Jessica.“Nearly 100 Ohio State University students accused of using app to cheat” 10 Nov. 2017
  21. Boyd, Danah & Crawford, Kate.“Critical Questions for Big Data” 10 May 2012
  22. Shirolkar, Shivani.“OPINION: We can do better than GroupMe” 19 March 2018
  23. Cihodariu, Miriam.“The Best Encrypted Messaging Apps You Should Use Today [Updated 2019”] 20 July 2019
  24. “All You Need to Know about Signal App and Why It’s Better than WhatsApp.” DNA India, 9 Jan. 2021, www.dnaindia.com/technology/report-all-you-need-to-know-about-signal-app-and-why-its-better-than-whatsapp-2867059. Accessed 8 Apr. 2021. ‌
  25. Jensen, Stephanie. “Monday vs Slack: Which is Best?”
  26. Slack. “Getting Started”
  27. Witts, Joel. “How Secure is Slack for Your Business” 1 Jan. 2021
  28. Dellinger, AJ. “Are Slack Messages Really Private? Here’s What to Know” 29 July 2020
  29. Orrasis. “Deploy G Suite in Your Organisation.” Orrasis, www.orrasis.com/google-apps/. Accessed 8 Apr. 2021. ‌
  30. Drake, Kayla. “WhatsApp, popular messaging app among international students, used to influence politics” 25 Nov. 2019
  31. McLoughlin, Jack. “Why Is WhatsApp so Popular?” 9 Sep. 2020
  32. Goodwin, Grace. “What is WhatsApp? A guide to navigating the free internet-based communication platform” 3 Nov. 2020
  33. Discord. “What is Discord?”
  34. Vicente, Vann "What is Discord Nitro, and Is It Worth Paying For?" 2020 May 6
  35. Curry, David. "Discord Revenue and Usage Statistics (2021) 22, Mar. 2021