People 'horrified' after finding out how WhatsApp and Messenger 'unread' feature actually works

People are only just realising what happens when you mark a message as unread on WhatsApp and Messenger, and they are horrified. The unread function on most messaging platforms enables users to flag a conversation as unread to revisit later, making it appear on their device as though they have only just received the message. However, numerous technology users are discovering something alarming - it only displays as unread for you, not for the person who sent it.

Having only recently uncovered this truth, a horrified TikTok user revealed it to others. Presenter and comedian Eric Roberts posted on the platform explaining: "I just found out that when you mark a message as unread it only marks it unread on your phone Everyone else can still see that you ve read that message And I just want to apologise to everyone."

It transpired that he was not the only one left in the dark. One person commented: "You re not serious are you What about on Messenger I need to trial this with a friend in the morning I need to know." Another simply exclaimed: "Noooooooooooooooooooooooooo" while a third admitted: "I am just finding this out now and I am not happy."

However, a solution does exist for those who would rather keep their message-reading habits private. One user advised: "To everyone - turn off your read receipts It's the best thing I did this year Knowing when someone has actually cast their eyes over a message is a level of info we just don't need." Another agreed: "Just turn off read receipts Had them off for years."

An iPhone user tested the feature and explained: "If read receipts are on it doesn't undo the read receipt it just stays there but for you it ll just show up as a conversation that you need to get back to." Regarding WhatsApp, another user clarified: "It only marks it unread for you it doesn't undo any read receipts You need to turn off read receipts which will apply in future."