Difference between revisions of "GroupMe"
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===Personalized Groups=== | ===Personalized Groups=== | ||
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. 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. | 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. 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. | ||
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===Photo and Video=== | ===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 you can add to the group chat. Users can additionally turn these different media functions into a meme which will allow them to add text to the media of their choice. | 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 you can add to the group chat. Users can additionally turn these different media functions into a meme which will allow them to add text to the media of their choice. | ||
Revision as of 14:03, 11 March 2021
GroupMe is a downloadable instant messaging application for users to communicate either individually or in groups. A free platform for its users, GroupMe is supported by almost all computers and phones via short message service (SMS) or push [1]. To start a group chat, users either add individuals via 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 there can be up to 500 members[2] within each groupchat, compared to iMessage that only allows up to 32 members in a groupchat, depending on the service provider[3]. Owned by Microsoft, GroupMe has evolved to include polls, calendars and a popular setting for each groupchat or direct message. It additionally has developed a “Campus Connect” tab where users can enter their college email and get access to different groupchats relating to their university. GroupMe has allowed people to connect no matter the distance.
Contents
History
GroupMe (then known as Grouply) 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.
Features
Personalized Groups
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. 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 you can add to the group chat. Users can additionally turn these different media functions into a meme which will allow them to 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:
- Allow once
- Allow while using the app
- Don’t allow
This can also allow users to see where their friends are at a given time.
Polls
Within each group chat on GroupMe, 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. 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. The poll feature can be
Ethical Implications
Academic Dishonesty
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. 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, there are different perspectives that are held accountable for even one action. In relation to these issues on the platform, some can argue 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, meaning third parties can have access to messages within a group. 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 groupchats to be surveillanced and access to cybercriminals collecting this data. 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.
References
- ↑ GroupMe. “About GroupMe”
- ↑ Microsoft. “Can I Increase the Group Limit in GroupMe?”
- ↑ Hays, Leanne. “How Many People Can Join a Group Text on an iPhone or iPad?” 3 March, 2020
- ↑ Shontell, Alyson. “How GroupMe Sold For $85 Million Just 370 Days After Launch” 22, Aug. 2011
- ↑ Carr, Austin.“Skype’s Acquisition of GroupMe Gives Microsoft A Social Life” 23, Aug. 2011
- ↑ Davis, Brett.“How Does GroupMe Make Money + Everything Else To Know” 21, Jan. 2021
- ↑ Statista.“Most popular mobile messaging apps in the United States as of September 2019, by monthly active users” Sep. 2019
