Hey there! Let’s talk about something cool – Facebook Messenger. It’s an app that Facebook, now part of a company called Meta, launched way back in 2011. The big idea? To help people from all corners of the globe chat and share things easily and privately.
Before Messenger came into the picture, Facebook had something called Facebook Chat, which started in 2008 and got a makeover in 2010. Fast forward to 2018, and Meta added something new – the Facebook Portal, a device that makes calling on Messenger even more fun.
Messenger is totally free to use and it’s a separate app from Facebook, but both are created by the same company, Meta. It’s packed with awesome features like:
- Quick messaging (just like texting, but cooler)
- Sharing photos and videos
- Sending audio messages (for when typing is too much work)
- Group chats (for planning that weekend hangout)
- Voice and video calls that feel like you’re right there with the person
- Fun games to play with friends
- Cool reactions and mentions in chats (to make conversations lively)
- Messenger Rooms for big group video calls
- “My Day” feature to share what you’re up to
Messenger is super popular and kind of a big deal in how we talk to each other these days.
Since 2011, Messenger has really grown up! In 2014, it launched its own website, and in 2016, it even started a platform for businesses. Now, Messenger is a huge part of our social lives. We use it to keep in touch with friends, family, and even chat with businesses. Plus, it’s great for sharing photos and videos.
Over a billion people use Messenger to stay connected. And guess what? Since the Covid-19 pandemic, its use has skyrocketed! Voice and video calls on Messenger have become super popular, with more than 700 million people using them.
Messenger’s voice and video calls are free as long as you’re connected to WiFi, no matter what kind of phone you have. And it’s always getting better, with new updates and cool visual changes.
Have you noticed that pulsing ring around the camera icon during a chat? It’s one of those neat visual updates. Ever wondered what it’s for or how to make it go away?
Well, today we’re diving into that mystery. Let’s explore what this pulsing ring is all about and how you can control it. Stay tuned!
What are the Pulsing Rings in Facebook Messenger?
Ever noticed those cool, pulsing rings around the video call icon in Messenger? Let’s talk about what they are and why they’re there.
Imagine you want to chat with your friend. You open Messenger, click on your friend’s chat, and see they’re online. Just when you do that, your friend also opens your chat. That’s when you’ll see these pulsing rings around the video call icon at the top right corner.
These rings show up when both you and your friend are looking at the same chat screen. It’s like a secret signal saying, “Hey, we’re both here!”
Why pulsating rings?
So, why did Meta add these pulsating rings? It’s all about nudging you to make a video call. When you’re chatting and see these rings, it’s like a little hint to tap on it and start a video call. It makes chatting more fun and personal because you can see each other’s faces.
This feature is super handy in group chats or when you’re talking to someone who’s juggling multiple chats. With these pulsating rings, you won’t miss out on a call. You can see it’s happening and join in without any delay. It’s all about making sure you’re part of the action!
Problem you may face with pulsing rings
Have you ever been bugged by those pulsing rings around the video chat icon in Messenger, especially when you have a ton of calls or notifications? You’re not alone. It can be really distracting or even annoying, especially if you’re super busy.
If you notice the pulsing rings sticking around even when there aren’t any calls or messages coming in, there might be a glitch with the Messenger app on your phone or with your phone itself. Here’s what you can do:
- Try restarting the Messenger app or your entire phone. Sometimes, this simple step can fix a lot of issues.
- Check if there are any updates available for the Messenger app. Keeping the app up-to-date can help avoid these kinds of problems.
- If the issue doesn’t go away, reach out to Facebook’s support team for more help.
Difference between “Active Status” and “Pulsing Rings”
In Messenger, a green dot next to someone’s name means they’re currently online and available to chat. It’s like a universal sign saying, “Hey, I’m here and ready to talk!”
But those pulsing rings? They tell you something different. When you see them, it means both you and the other person are looking at the same chat at the same time. It’s kind of like making eye contact in a real conversation. It shows you’re both actively involved in the chat, maybe even interested in jumping into a video call. So, while the green dot is about being online, the pulsing rings are about being actively engaged in a conversation right at that moment.
Conclusion
So, let’s sum it all up. In Messenger, seeing someone as an active user (that little green dot) doesn’t necessarily mean they want to chat right away. They might just be online, scrolling through their feed or doing something else. Not everyone who’s online is ready for a real-time conversation.
But those pulsating rings? They tell a different story. When you see them, it means both you and the other person are not just online, but you’re both actively engaged in the same conversation. It’s a clear sign that you’re both interested and present in the chat, potentially ready to jump into a deeper conversation or even a video call.
In short, the green dot is about being online, but the pulsating rings are about being actively involved in a conversation. It’s a subtle, yet important difference that makes chatting on Messenger unique and more meaningful.
FAQs
What is Facebook Messenger and when was it launched?
Facebook Messenger is an instant messaging app launched by Meta (formerly Facebook) in 2011. It is designed to connect people globally and allow private message exchanges.
What are the key features of Facebook Messenger?
Messenger offers features like instant messaging, media sharing, audio sharing, group conversations, real-time voice and video conferencing, Messenger games, reactions and mentions in chat, Messenger Rooms, and the My Day feature.
What do the pulsing rings around the video chat icon in Messenger signify?
The pulsing rings indicate that both users are on the same conversation screen in Messenger. They appear when you and the other person are viewing the same chat simultaneously.
Why do pulsating rings appear in Messenger, and what is their purpose?
The pulsating rings are designed to encourage users to start video calls. They appear during a conversation to intuitively prompt users to tap and initiate a real-time video conference.
How can I resolve issues with persistent pulsing rings in Messenger?
If the pulsing rings become bothersome or malfunction, you can try restarting the Messenger app or your device, check for app updates, or contact Facebook’s support team for further assistance.
What is the difference between ‘Active Status’ and ‘Pulsing Rings’ in Messenger?
The ‘Active Status’ in Messenger is indicated by a green dot and signifies that a user is online and potentially available for chat. In contrast, ‘Pulsing Rings’ indicate that both users are actively viewing and participating in the same conversation at that moment.
