A user can send disappearing messages on Messenger, meaning the messages are automatically not visible after 24 hours. Messages can also be end-to-end encrypted so that only the sender and receiver of the message can see it, no one in between (although Facebook can see an encrypted message if the receiver reports it to them). Messenger users can access Meta’s digital assistant, called Meta AI. On the Messenger mobile app, users can text chat with Meta AI, ask for information, search messages or create text or realistic images to share.
A new user needs a Facebook account to sign up to Messenger. They can deactivate their Facebook account afterwards if preferred.
Messenger allows parents to supervise children via its Supervision tool. With agreement from their child, parents can use the tool to see how much time their child spends on the app and set time limit of breaks (e.g. overnight). They can see a list of their child’s contacts (including AI chatbots), which contacts they’ve blocked, which contacts their child has chatted with, and whether their child blocks strangers from connecting with them or seeing their stories. Messenger also features safety settings enabling users to limit who can see when they’re online and they can mute notifications for a period of time. As Messenger requires a user to have a Facebook account, it’s important to check Facebook safety settings too.
