The sticky part is the social network effect. Its by FAR the dominant messaging app in much/most of Europe. Some switch to Signal/others has occurred... but if you have _one_ friend who doesn't switch that you want to continue to communicate with... you're stuck too.
Not to mention, the alternatives aren't great. I'm sure others will provide a better breakdown, but at a high level:
- Signal is the best alternative but missing features like crazy that really do matter to "normal" people (can't change your phone number! Stickers only can be added from the desktop app)
- Telegram a) has a poor reputation in my greater social circle b) doesn't actually encrypt by default
- Matrix is simply not accessible to anyone who isn't highly computer literate
Not to mention, the alternatives aren't great. I'm sure others will provide a better breakdown, but at a high level:
- Signal is the best alternative but missing features like crazy that really do matter to "normal" people (can't change your phone number! Stickers only can be added from the desktop app)
- Telegram a) has a poor reputation in my greater social circle b) doesn't actually encrypt by default
- Matrix is simply not accessible to anyone who isn't highly computer literate