WhatsApp Users Criticize New 'Vertigo-Inducing' Messaging Animation
A recent update to WhatsApp's messaging interface has users complaining about a new animation that causes messages to swoop in from the right, with many seeking a way to disable it.
WhatsApp users are expressing strong dissatisfaction with a recently implemented messaging animation that they describe as "vertigo-inducing" and "obnoxious." The change, which causes sent messages to now animate in from the right side of the screen with a swish, has drawn sharp criticism from a significant portion of the platform's global user base.
Previously, messages would simply appear on the screen. The Meta-owned application's subtle alteration to this feature has led to widespread complaints on social media platforms. Users have taken to X, formerly Twitter, to voice their frustrations, with one user stating, "WhatsApp’s new message delivery animation on iOS makes me wanna puke." Another described the animation as "driving me insane," while a third user reported restarting their phone, believing there was a technical issue.
Some users have humorously commented on the perceived intent behind the animation, with one writing, "Zuckerberg really tried to give us all vertigo. Thank you for this." Another expressed their distress, saying, "WhatsApp’s new animation when sending a message has me completely unhinged. There has to be some way to get rid of that."
Fortunately for those bothered by the new effect, a method to revert to the previous messaging animation has been shared by users. To disable the animation, users can navigate to WhatsApp's "settings," then select "appearance," and toggle the message animation option off.
This recent user backlash follows other instances where Meta has faced criticism for new features. The company recently removed its new Instagram AI image feature, which automatically incorporated photos from public accounts, just days after its launch due to privacy concerns. Meta acknowledged the feedback, stating, "Our intent was to provide a useful creative tool and to give people control over whether their public content could be referenced in this way. We’ve heard the feedback that this feature missed the mark, so it’s no longer available."