But if storage isn't an issue, why go out of your way to remove them? Don't you think there is an underlying reason you are changing the default to remove them?
I don't go out my way, I just change the default. The underlying reason is it's useless data, why would I keep it? I don't transfer chats when I move phones either so...
I feel like you think there's something wrong with not collecting and keeping this data. I genuinely don't know why you would.
I do not think there is anything wrong with that (just that this is uncommon and surprising, so I'm curious), but in my hypothetical scenario where storage isn't an issue, having useless data stored should not matter.
Changing the default is not a big deal, for sure, but would you still do it if it required 10 minutes of your time every 6 months? If yes, I just cannot believe that you have no reason to do it. Perhaps it makes you feel freer, perhaps you think your device is more organized or cleaner, or something else.
But of course in real life data uses storage, but I feel like most people are on the other extreme and keep too much (data or possessions) because they cannot let go, but chat data footprint is usually minimal unless you receive lots of photos/videos.
I just not that way included. I don't like clutter. And were it a 10 minute process id never use the service at all. Maybe I'm odd, I don't use social media either, and only use a single chat app currently on my device. I regularly delete chats as well, not just alter the default retention period. I'm just really not interested in chat history at all. I view it as useless data once it's a week or so old.
You keep saying storage isnt an issue, but having a large digital footprint is just more baggage to manage in future. I want to let these conversations/relationships evolve and change over time, I dont want to keep revisiting them at a certain point.
Each time I get a new phone, I go through and curate the photos/ files worth saving, back them up offline, then start fresh.
Just because you can store everything, infinitely, forever, doesnt mean you need to.
I feel like you think there's something wrong with not collecting and keeping this data. I genuinely don't know why you would.