IMG SOURCE: twitter.com
As a parent, you might already be aware of the various methods your children use to maintain their secrecy, especially when it comes to their digital lives. However, a recent revelation might come as a surprise! A crafty texting trick, that makes messages “invisible”, has been discovered. This technique is increasingly being used by children to keep their conversations hidden from their parents.
The existence of this concealed messaging method came to the fore through a distressed parent’s confession on Reddit. The parent shared their bewilderment on finding their child’s text messages hidden, as seen in a screenshot posted on the subreddit Apple/help. The screenshot showcased a mysterious message, shrouded by what seemed like digital noise or TV static.
Upon further research, the Reddit community deduced that the child was using a feature called “invisible ink” incorporated into Apple’s iMessage system. This tool allows users to encrypt their messages, veiling them from anyone who might happen to glance at the screen.
The operation of the “invisible ink” feature is quite straightforward. Users write their message within the iMessage platform and hold the send button to reveal a hidden menu. Among various options, they choose the “invisible ink” feature, which then scrambles the text into a series of cryptic pixels.
When the recipient receives the message, it appears as an indecipherable cluster of squiggles. The actual content of the message only becomes visible when they tap on the scrambled text.
This covert messaging technique is appealing to children for various reasons. Primarily, it allows them to maintain their privacy, especially from parents who might occasionally check their phones. It also enables them to discuss movies or other topics without revealing spoilers to those who haven’t yet seen or experienced them.
Fortunately, it doesn’t take a code-breaking expert to reveal the hidden content of these messages. The decryption process is as simple as tapping on the scrambled text. Several Redditors advised, “Just run your finger over the sparkles,” or, “Just tap on the squiggles, it will show you the text.”
For concerned parents seeking to put an end to these sneaky messaging tactics, there’s good news. The “invisible ink” feature can be turned off. By going to “Settings”, then “Accessibility”, and finally “Reduce Motion”, parents can deactivate the iMessage effects. This step effectively prevents children from using the “invisible ink” feature on their devices.
