What does the question mark in a square in WhatsApp mean - briefly?
The square with a question mark in WhatsApp indicates that the message was successfully sent but not yet delivered to the recipient's device. It serves as an intermediate status between sent and delivered.
What does the question mark in a square in WhatsApp mean - in detail?
The square question mark (⸮) in WhatsApp is a visual indicator used to signify that a message has been forwarded multiple times. This feature was introduced by WhatsApp in July 2018 as part of its efforts to combat the spread of misinformation and fake news.
When a message is forwarded from one chat to another, WhatsApp adds a small double-arrow icon next to the message. If this message is then forwarded again, a second double-arrow icon appears. However, if a message has been forwarded more than five times, instead of displaying multiple arrows, WhatsApp shows the square question mark (⸮) to indicate that the message originated from an unknown source.
This visual cue is designed to alert users to potentially problematic content. Messages with this indicator may have been forwarded so many times that their original context or accuracy has become uncertain, making them more likely to be misleading or false. By highlighting these messages, WhatsApp aims to encourage users to verify the information they receive and share responsibly.
In addition to the square question mark, WhatsApp also limits the number of times a message can be forwarded to five chats at once to further reduce the spread of misinformation. These measures collectively contribute to creating a more informed and safer communication environment on the platform.