In recent years, Facebook has been pushing users to switch from Facebook’s built-in messaging to using Facebook Messenger for chats. This has frustrated many users who prefer the simplicity of Facebook’s integrated messaging system. However, Facebook has continued to promote Messenger and has even gone so far as to disable integrated messaging on mobile. This leaves many users asking: why is Facebook so intent on getting everyone to use Messenger?
The History of Messaging on Facebook
When Facebook first launched in 2004, it did not have any messaging features built in. At that time, Facebook was focused solely on profile pages and the news feed. It wasn’t until 2008 that Facebook integrated a messaging system directly into the platform, allowing users to message friends without having to leave Facebook.
This basic messaging system was handy, but also very limited. As smartphone use grew, people wanted to be able to message on-the-go. So in 2011, Facebook launched a standalone mobile messaging app called Facebook Messenger. This allowed users to continue conversations on their phones, with features like push notifications and quick replies.
For the next several years, Facebook supported both integrated messaging and the Messenger app in parallel. Users could choose which system they preferred. However, over time Facebook began encouraging people to switch to Messenger by adding new features only available in the Messenger app.
Why Facebook Favors Messenger
This brings us to today, where Facebook has disabled integrated messaging in the mobile app and is pushing Messenger as the primary way to message on Facebook. There are a few key reasons why Facebook favors Messenger over integrated messaging:
1. Flexibility in Feature Development
Having Messenger as a standalone app allows Facebook to innovate and release new features much faster than they could if messaging was only built into the main Facebook app. The Messenger team can roll out major changes and new capabilities without worrying about disrupting the core Facebook experience.
2. Access to Message Data
As a separate app, Facebook has more control and access to data within Messenger. All messages sent within Messenger are openly available to Facebook. In contrast, messages sent through integrated Facebook messaging are more hidden from data mining. Facebook is able to collect more valuable data on user behaviors through Messenger.
3. Monetization Opportunities
Messenger also gives Facebook more opportunities to monetize messaging. For example, Messenger allows businesses to connect with customers for sales and support. And Facebook is starting to run ads within the Messenger interface. Facebook can be more aggressive with monetization in the Messenger app than it could be if messaging remained part of the core Facebook app.
4. User Engagement
Some analysts believe separating messaging from Facebook has allowed Messenger to become more engaging and habit-forming as a standalone app. Users are spending more time in Messenger than they did with integrated messaging, which is good for Facebook’s bottom line.
The Impact on Users
While Facebook’s reasoning makes strategic sense for the company, the forced migration has caused frustration for some users who still prefer the simplicity of integrated messaging. Here are some of the drawbacks users have encountered with the Messenger-only shift:
1. App Overload
Facebook already has separate apps for messaging (Messenger), groups (Groups), events (Events), etc. Forcing messaging into yet another app contributes to app overload. Some users don’t want to juggle so many apps just to fully use Facebook.
2. Notification Overload
Similarly, pushing messaging to Messenger means users have to manage notifications across multiple apps. Important messages can be missed if users don’t remember to check Messenger as well as Facebook proper.
3. Privacy Concerns
Data privacy advocates have raised concerns about Facebook’s access to message data within Messenger, and the potential misuse of that data. Users weren’t necessarily opted-in to the data collection when they first started using Facebook messaging.
4. Less Seamless Messaging
Switching between Facebook and Messenger introduces friction into the messaging experience. Integrated messaging allowed seamless conversations while browsing Facebook. The back-and-forth is interrupted by the context switch between apps.
5. Ad Overload
Lastly, some users aren’t thrilled about the uptick in ads within Messenger. While Facebook needs to monetize messaging, users don’t necessarily want their conversations interrupted by targeted ads.
The Future of Messaging on Facebook
Looking ahead, Facebook will continue to push Messenger as the main messaging platform across its family of apps. And most users will likely come to accept Messenger as the de facto way to message on Facebook.
However, integrated messaging still retains some advantages in terms of simplicity and seamlessness. Some analysts think Facebook may look to rebuild a more robust integrated messaging system in the future – but this time, one that is tightly integrated with Messenger on the backend. That could give users the best of both worlds.
For now, users wanting to message on Facebook will have to use Messenger on mobile. But messaging is a critical part of the Facebook experience, so look for Facebook to continue innovating and optimizing messaging in whatever form it takes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Facebook disable integrated messaging?
Facebook disabled integrated messaging on mobile devices in order to push more users to adopt its standalone Messenger app. This gives Facebook more flexibility, control and monetization opportunities.
Is Facebook going to remove messaging from the desktop app too?
Not at this time. Messaging is still available on the desktop Facebook site. However, Facebook will likely continue encouraging desktop users to also use Messenger when possible.
Can I still use Facebook messaging on mobile at all?
No, integrated Facebook messaging is completely disabled in the Facebook for iOS and Android apps. The only way to message on mobile is to use the Messenger app.
Are my old Facebook messages available in Messenger?
Yes, your existing message history remains intact and can be accessed in the Messenger app on mobile or desktop.
How is Messenger different than integrated messaging?
Key differences include Messenger’s enhanced feature set, access for businesses to interact with customers, greater data collection by Facebook, and increased monetization through ads.
Conclusion
Facebook’s decision to force messaging into the Messenger app is controversial, but makes strategic sense for the company. Integrated messaging still offers a more seamless user experience, but most people will adapt to Messenger over time. Look for Facebook to continue enhancing messaging capabilities across both Messenger and the core platform into the future.