We all know what Telegram is and how it works—it's a cloud-based mobile and desktop messaging app that allows users to exchange messages, make audio and video calls, and share media files with ease. It's also widely known for its stringent security and privacy settings, which is why companies and businesses looking to protect sensitive information prefer it over other apps. You probably use it at work yourself.
Here's the thing: Did you know that these very features are also why Telegram has somewhat garnered a reputation among Pinoys as a "kabit" or "landi" app? Rumor has it that it has become the go-to platform for two-timers who want to avoid getting caught by their partners.
There's even a running joke online that if the person you're seeing prefers Telegram over more "conventional" messaging apps like Messenger, there's a good chance they're merely planning to keep you as a side piece. Again, just a joke!
Telegram's "Kabit-Friendly" Features
But what makes Telegram particularly attractive to potential cheaters? For starters, users can set message-deletion timers on their chats, ensuring that no trace of their communication remains. It also offers the option to start secret chats that are concealed from casual observers, and access to these secret chats is restricted to a PIN code on your device.
Telegram allows users to manage multiple accounts on the same device, too. Unlike other apps like WhatsApp, Telegram accounts can feature a username, meaning users can maintain anonymity without having to share their phone numbers.
Of course, the app itself is not designed for such purposes, but there is no shortage of users who exploit its privacy features for *sketchy* activities such as infidelity. Some people even use it to access porn or buy drugs, which, while not necessarily a bad thing, still requires discretion.
The bottom line: Despite its good intentions, Telegram has made it easy for people to get away with a lot of things.
The Internet's Thoughts On Telegram
As usual, the Internet has mixed feelings on whether Telegram truly deserves its controversial reputation.
"A lot of people use TG kasi mas private and mas okay ang encryption ng data," a Pinoy user pointed out via Reddit. "So if you're a couple doing NSFW stuff or sending NSFW photos or videos [to each other], hindi siya ma-se-save ng receiver. So madami gumagamit nito for hookups or landi."
"It has a reputation for privacy and has a lot of features that facilitate mass-sharing of naughty video content," a fellow Redditor shared. "One advantage was that it allowed group chats in the thousands, so people used it for sharing with wide audiences. It also [doesn't] compress the media you send like other chat apps do, so [you can] preserve the resolution. People pass around questionable shit there (pirated content, sexual stuff, etc.), but it's very much a side use of the app."
"It's just a messaging app. It's what people do with messaging apps that matters," a user insisted. "Any method of communication can be a platform for infidelity, including simple old-fashioned telephone calls, coffee shops, bars and clubs, or a park."
"Telegram is [just like any other] social media platform, mostly used for direct messages and specific group chats," wrote another user. "Saying it's only for scammers, cheating, weed, crime, watching videos, or whatever, is silly. It's like saying that about WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger."
While these comments are accurate, the blame shouldn't fall solely on Telegram, if at all. This is a case of an app being so effective at serving its purpose that people ended up abusing it for personal gain. We can all agree that it shouldn't get a bad rap, but its reputation seems here to stay regardless.
This is a case of an app being so effective at serving its purpose that people ended up abusing it for personal gain.
That said, there's always an opportunity to shift the narrative! Some will always label it a "kabit" app, but it's also a platform where couples can freely express themselves without worrying about their privacy being compromised. Or a secure space for individuals to share their lives with a select audience without concern for public opinion. In this way, Telegram has far exceeded its original purpose.
