WhatsApp has previously provided a message deletion function (Disappearing Messages) through the settings area that needs to be activated. However, the latest development shows the addition of a new time period option that is shorter than before.
Through this feature, messages will remain for a while after being read before being deleted through the additional “After Reading” with a time option of 5 minutes, 1 hour or 12 hours. This period is much shorter than the original option which offered a minimum period of a day, a week or 3 months. Thus, it provides additional control to users who want messages to disappear faster after being read.
In the context of daily life, it is suitable for use when users want to ensure that certain conversations are not stored for a long time. For example, when sharing sensitive information such as passwords, transaction details or work information that is only relevant for a short period of time. The same goes for short conversations that do not need to be recorded or are only important at a certain moment.
This feature can also be considered an additional layer to temporary messages because it seems to combine the “View Once” and “Disappearing Messages” functions. With this new option, users can set a short period of time before messages are automatically deleted.
The feature is currently only available to select beta users on iOS and was previously available in the Android beta. Other users are expected to receive access in the coming months depending on WhatsApp's official launch schedule.
