[tenpies]

I almost want to see it because I'm really curious to see what happens if you remove Whatsapp from a population where it's very ingrained.

Do they riot? Do they just download an alternative? Does the disruption in business communications cause such a negative impact that it reflects in GDP?

[imtringued]

They will download an alternative. The interesting part is that they will very quickly converge on a single option.

[PeterStuer]

Of course. The value of having a messaging app that nobody else uses is very limited. Most people will roll their eyes every time some sports club, parents ascosiation, knitting circle, wathever will want you to install another niche app. It is a winner take all due to inherent network effects.

You can also predict that wathever emerges will be based on direct or indirect add revenue, and require massive sustained investment for years, thus making it again most likely to be US petrodollar backed, or, if not, petrodollar bought or else just brought to heel or extinguished.