As you requested, I have researched a current trend related to our mobile phone developing company. College students have been using regional chat apps recently. I have done thorough research on this topic and learned that using regional chat apps would significantly change social app business in the future. The development of a regional messaging app is a trending market opportunity for the company to develop and install on our phones. In this analysis, I will explain:
- The challenge of using regional apps amongst students.
- Why regional apps are suitable for students.
- Advantages of using regional apps for students.
- Limitations of using the regional apps.
- Recommendations to solve the limitations of the app use.
Challenge
Since the introduction of social media, messaging apps have gained overwhelming support, especially among young people. Studies show that 90% of college students use social media apps at least once daily (Betton & Woollard, 2018). Messaging or chat apps have gained popularity for fast and convenient communication, sharing audio and videos, and creating and sharing pictures.
Social media apps such as WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, and Telegram are popular on mobile phones (Betton & Woollard, 2018). These apps are accessible internationally, therefore, leaving a gap for regional users’ needs, especially those of the younger generation. Regional apps are better because they are designed for users from a certain area (Betton & Woollard, 2018). That way, users from the specific region can easily find and connect with families and friends.
For example, textnow app can only be used by people from North America.
Why Regional Chat Apps are Suitable for Students
Students spend most of their time communicating with their friends and families. Indeed, they converse during classes, in their free time, while walking, and even at home (McCollum, 2018). In other words, younger people will mostly be on their phones. Studies show that students spend 70% of their free time online, most likely through their phones (Betton & Woollard, 2018). Figure 1 below shows messaging apps as the top downloaded in 2022 (Betton & Woollard, 2018). In the United States, TikTok, Instagram, WhatsApp messenger, and Facebook are leading in use. College students spend most of their time chatting through these messaging apps. Specifically, younger generations now prefer regional messaging apps to find and connect with their friends easily. Below are some of the reasons the apps are growing in popularity.
Prediction of nearby users
Regional messaging applications help to predict or direct users to their nearby friends. College students rely on their close allies for educational and social support. Indeed, the students will likely use messaging apps to communicate with their school peers during and after classes (McCollum, 2018). These particular applications can also approximate the distance of users. When the students chat through most regional apps, they can see how close their friends are.
Convenience of usability
Another advantage is that the apps are fast and easy to use depending on the available features for users. Most college students are18 to 20 years and prefer texting instead of making phone calls (McCollum, 2018). Unlike adults, young students have plenty of time and many topics to discuss. Therefore, they will spend most of their time chatting with their friends and families.
Prevention of bullies and catfishes
Regional messaging apps reduce the chances of bullying and catfishing among users. Parents will purchase this app to protect their children from online bullies and catfishes. The small population using the app live within a community where they know each other (McCollum, 2018). Whether it is a social platform for requesting friends or one to chat with contact from a phonebook, there is a minimal chance of being attacked (Betton & Woollard, 2018). The younger generation constantly suffers from online bullying, especially from people who hide behind familiar identities. Regional messaging apps ensure that users contact well-known people.
Limitations of the Apps
The apps may face stiff competition from similar international social apps. International apps such as WhatsApp render similar services to a wider population. Therefore, the regional app might not gain many users within the region. Regional apps are popular in the Asian and Middle East regions (McCollum, 2018). WeChat from China and KakaoTalk from South Korea are the most popular in these areas due to the banning of Facebook and WhatsApp (Betton & Woollard, 2018). A regional app will also face competition from already established apps such as TextNow, Talkatone, and GroupMe, among others. Regional apps will likely face functionality problems because a limited population uses them. Therefore, attracting more students to use the app will not be easy.
Recommendations
Considering the challenge of possible competition from other messaging apps, developing an outstanding app is critical. The company could use a product differentiation strategy to remain competitive. Product differentiation ensures that although one’s product is similar to others in the industry, distinct features keep it at the top. For this app, we must consider differentiation from a student’s perspective.
Students use social apps both at home and at school. Therefore, incorporating features that include their in-school and out-of-school activities will be attractive. For example, an app could include a playlist and schedule sections. 80% of students will likely listen to music outside the classroom (Betton & Woollard, 2018). Therefore, it will be convenient if the students can chat and listen to music within an app. The app could have a section for chat messages and another for music.
The messaging app should be able to conveniently share text messages, audio, pictures, and videos. The music section should be formulated to allow students to create their playlists with their preferred songs and share music through duets. A smaller section of the app could also contain a space for creating a schedule. The school or home student schedule should be connected to Google calendar and have audio reminders. A relevant situation would be a student walking on campus and chatting with friends. The student has headphones on, connected to the app via Bluetooth as they listen to his playlist. Suddenly, the student hears an audio reminder saying that the next business and economics class starts in 10 minutes. An app that meets all the above needs would be most suitable for students.
Conclusion
Regional messaging applications will replace international apps in the future. Communities are seeking customized apps that consider their immediate needs. Students spend most of their time between online conversations via different chat apps. However, they are often catfished and bullied by people with ill intentions. College students find comfort in conversing with students and families within the proximity. Therefore, regional texting apps are increasingly growing popular among the younger generation. The company can also venture into a new market and make an app that meets students’ needs. That way, even though there will be other similar apps, the firm will have a competitive advantage. I would like us to meet and discuss how the firm could incorporate this app to the list of our products.
References
Betton, V., & Woollard, J. (2018). Teen mental health in an online world: Supporting young people around their use of social media, apps, gaming, texting and the rest. Jessica Kingsley Publishers. Web.
McCollum, C. (2018). Social media apps integral part of college students’ lives. Ebsco. Web.