Kik is a Web 2.0 application for smart phones that is similar to how iMessage and BlackBerry’s messenger function. Users can share text, photos, sketches and voice messages through Kik. One of the key features of this application is that users can see when their messages are sent, delivered and when their messages are read. Kik sends messages via a phone’s data plan or Wi-Fi. This is ideal for those who pay for each text message and cannot afford to text often but enjoy its advantages. This method of communication also enables some of the fastest message transmission available. Messages are sent almost instantly, whereas those in low cell-service areas may experience issues with speed. Users of Kik use a username rather than a phone number, due to the fact that the app uses Wi-Fi, therefore users can control their level of privacy. If you do not want to give someone your number because of the subsequent information they could find from it, simply give them your username (which could simply be your name or some sort of screen name if you would like even more privacy and anonymity). In addition to one-to-one chat option, there is also a group chat feature, to communicate with many people at once. Unlike most other free applications, Kik is ad free, which in today’s context is very rare and desirable as ads tend to interfere with out usage of such applications.
Kik does not require users to be using the application at the same time. However users do receive a notification once they receive a message, which allows them to be aware of when someone is trying to communicate with them. The persistence of the transcript is very long. Messages remain is your history until you choose to delete them. In order to find another user of Kik they must give you their username. This makes it a very private application, as no one can message you without your acceptance. The use of a username and a profile picture makes your Kik account somewhat similar to a profile on a social networking site, such as Facebook or Twitter. Expression of identity now comes into play when choosing a username and a photo, which become an extension of your identity. This application satisfies a need for social interaction. Although there are now many ways to communicate one of our new desires is to communicate as quickly as possible, which is Kik’s aim.
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