Wild Card Paper

 Mackenzy Turner

Professor Reppert

MM 4133 - Fall 2020

17 November 2020

Message and Data Rates May Apply 

    Each morning Americans wake up to the sound of their alarms buzzing, usually from their phones, informing them it is time to wake up and start the day. Roll over, check their emails, the weather, and text their boss if they are going to be late. Communication platforms such as text messaging, social media, and other networking applications are the way we make it through our day, how we stay in touch with those around us. Other countries have platforms just as we Americans do that help them stay in touch, keep eachother updated, and communicated effectively. Some of these applications even allow for overseas communication without cost, where normally message and data rates would apply. Today we will take a dive into the World's most used applications and why they are so great.

    Applications for global communication and calling can be lifesavers when you look at how expensive it is to make an out of country phone call. In fact, if international calling and texting is something you'll be doing often, you may even have to upgrade your entire phone plan just to save what you can from those expensive calls across the pond. However, there are multiple phone applications that are free to download that will let you talk to you loved ones worry free and for a much cheaper rate, all you need is a wireless internet connection. Skype is one of the worlds most popular forms of global communication. An application free to download lets you reach anyone, anyplace in the world. Not only does Skype allow you to communicate for free while both parties are using the app, but you can also message and call specific phone numbers by paying a small fee.  

    While Skype was designed just for common means of communication, the application has found itself in use for some pretty important meetings and interactions.  Even world leaders such as Prince Harry uses Skype to stay in touch with his family while he is traveling abroad for business and meeting with other leaders. This app allowed Meghan to be there with him not physically, but in spirit, and it was free! President Donal Trump even uses Skype within the White House. In 2017 he opened up "Skype Seats" that "will open up [his briefings] to journalists who live beyond 50 miles of the Washington, DC area and to organizations that don't currently have a day pass." This has allowed international journalists and many others a peek into the White House, all for free by using the Skype app. 

    Another popular application, WeChat, "is China's most popular messaging app with a monthly user base of more than 1 billion people." This app is almost strictly only used inside of China and has taken over the country as a major form of communication and many other things. It started out as just a common messaging service but has since then "transformed into an app where you can do everything from payments to hailing a ride, or even booking flights." One thing that makes this application unique to the Chinese communication culture is their use of QR Codes to share contact information. Each user has their own unique barcode and carshare their information with just an image. Another reason that WeChat is such a hit in China is because other social apps such as Facebook are blocked by the government. 

    The tight restrictions on social media and communications platforms in China allows apps such as WeChat to flourish. "Even when doing business, people prefer WeChat to email," due to the functionality of it, and how popular it is. The application morphed from a common way to communicate into an all around must have on your phone. Even the shopping industry has caught on with WeChat. "If you're buying something online in China, there will be an option to purchase wit WeChat Pay." Very similar to an Apple Pay or PayPal in America. It also resembles a social media platform as you can post on a public feed for all of your friends to see and interact with.  An entire country relying on one app for their day to day tasks and communication. 

    Social media, messaging apps, and online wallets have become a normalcy and way of life around the world. Applications have popped up to make international communication easier and more affordable. Skype is a globally known and has been seen used for some notable meetings and conversations, rather than just common everyday communication. WeChat has swept across the country of China and established itself as a major source of communication and functionality for the nation. An app found on a phone screen can connect people from across the globe in seconds by just accepting the terms and conditions. In a society where require information instantly, and want to reach our loved ones in a matter of seconds communication applications reign supreme.