During the pandemic, many WhatsApp groups were created to allow different information to be exchanged. As a first step to prevent the dangers of Covid-19, these WhatsApp groups, also called “loops”, are always present on the application. The principle is simple: a channel is broadcast by an association or a person offering a service. Once this loop is launched, WhatsApp users are invited to join it, by word of mouth, or by posting on another social network.
This was the case of Ounissa Fodil, head of the association F
Three years after the pandemic, Ounissa’s WhatsApp group still serves as a communication channel and has nearly 150 members. “It came naturally, spontaneously. People dare to express their needs more easily like that. It makes them feel guilty…”, she adds. But today, it is no longer only used to inform about the pandemic. Indeed, since then, each member can send his voice message relaying a need or an offer.
Thus, very different profiles use these loops. Indeed, it can be elderly people who are looking for home help, but also students looking for a summer job. Moreover, publications can announce events taking place in the neighborhood such as a clothing drive or a food distribution. Since the inflation, other aid channels have emerged and would allow users to make some savings.
In the report from Le Parisien, other WhatsApp loops are highlighted. Indeed, apart from the job offers that can be found on these groups, more and more families are opting for barter. Thus, associations such as Le Secours Populaire also benefit from these channels. This can be to offer products whose expiry date is approaching or a pair of children’s sneakers. Solidarity is therefore essential on the social network.
The popularity of these loops is also due to the fact that it is a simple mutual aid citizen. The objective is to discuss and find solutions together to deal with inflation. According to INSEE, consumer prices increased by 5.6% between March 2022 and March 2023. This growth then favors the creation of these groups to share good plans in their neighborhood. However, not everyone is kind.
If most of these channels allow you to inform your neighbors of good plans in the city this week, there are still exceptions. Indeed, like all social networks, WhatsApp also meets its share of detractors. Many scams have taken place on the communication platform over the past few years. One of the most popular techniques is sending fake attachments. The principle is simple. You are sent a message on a fake channel asking you to open a document. You may be told that this is a good plan when once the room is opened, the scammer already has access to all your data.
If WhatsApp is therefore today a relay of good tips for saving, it is necessary to remain cautious. Always check the sender.
