What does the star at the top of the screen in WhatsApp mean - briefly?
The star icon at the top of the WhatsApp screen indicates that you have unread messages. Tap on it to quickly access and review your new messages.
What does the star at the top of the screen in WhatsApp mean - in detail?
The star icon at the top of the screen in WhatsApp serves a specific and important purpose, particularly for users who want to maintain their privacy and control over their messages. This feature is known as "Disappearing Messages."
When you see this star icon, it indicates that the disappearing messages feature has been enabled for the chat or group. Disappearing messages are designed to automatically delete after a set period of time, which can be 24 hours, 7 days, or 90 days, depending on the user's preference. This feature is particularly useful for conversations where temporary content is shared, such as photos, videos, or other media that do not need to be stored permanently.
The star icon provides a visual cue that helps users understand the ephemeral nature of their messages within that particular chat. It ensures transparency and clarity about the message lifespan, allowing participants to communicate more freely without the worry of their messages being stored indefinitely.
In addition to enhancing privacy, this feature can also help reduce clutter in chats by automatically deleting old messages. This is particularly beneficial for groups or conversations where a large volume of messages are exchanged daily.
Overall, the star icon in WhatsApp is an essential tool for users who prioritize their privacy and want more control over the lifespan of their messages. It offers a balance between convenience and security, making it easier to manage temporary communications effectively.