In the age of modern technology, communication has never been easier. From instant messaging to social media, we are constantly connected with our friends, family, and colleagues. However, this ease of communication can sometimes lead to unwanted and intrusive messages and calls. Fortunately, there are ways to avoid any communication you don’t want using modern tech. In this article, we will discuss some tips and tricks to help you stay in control of your communication.
Block unknown and unwanted numbers
One of the most effective ways to avoid unwanted communication is to block any unknown or unwanted numbers. Most smartphones today come with a built-in feature to block numbers. To block a number, simply open the phone app, tap on the number you want to block, and select the option to block the number. Once you block a number, you will no longer receive calls or messages from that number.
Another option is to use a third-party app to block numbers. There are many apps available on both iOS and Android that can help you block unwanted calls and messages. If you want to find out who called me from this phone number, it’s as easy as either Googling it, or using an app to find out the identity.
Use the “Do Not Disturb” feature
Another useful feature to avoid unwanted communication is the “Do Not Disturb” feature. This feature allows you to silence all calls and messages, except for those from your designated contacts. To use the “Do Not Disturb” feature, go to your phone’s settings and select “Do Not Disturb.” From there, you can set the feature to turn on automatically at certain times, such as when you’re sleeping, or you can turn it on manually whenever you want to be undisturbed.
Mute notifications for specific apps
If you’re getting too many notifications from a specific app, you can mute those notifications. This will prevent the app from sending you notifications, but you can still use the app as usual. To mute notifications for a specific app, go to your phone’s settings, select “Apps,” and find the app you want to mute notifications for. From there, you can turn off notifications for that app.
Use messaging apps with privacy features
If you’re concerned about the privacy of your messages, you can use messaging apps that have built-in privacy features. One such app is Signal, which is a free, open-source app that offers end-to-end encryption for all messages. This means that no one, not even the app’s developers, can read your messages. Signal also offers features like disappearing messages, which can be set to disappear after a certain amount of time.
Another option is WhatsApp, which also offers end-to-end encryption for messages. WhatsApp also allows users to block contacts and report spam messages. Additionally, WhatsApp allows users to set a custom privacy setting for each contact, so you can choose who sees your profile picture, status, and last seen.
Opt-out of marketing messages
If you’re receiving unwanted marketing messages, you can opt-out of those messages. In the United States, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) requires that all marketing messages include an option to opt-out. To opt-out, simply reply to the message with the word “STOP.” Once you opt-out, the sender is required by law to stop sending you messages.
In addition, you can register your phone number with the National Do Not Call Registry, which is a free service that allows you to opt-out of telemarketing calls. Once you register your number, telemarketers are required by law to stop calling you.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are many ways to avoid any communication you don’t want using modern tech. By blocking unwanted numbers, using the “Do Not Disturb” feature, muting notifications for specific apps, using messaging apps with privacy features, and opting-out of marketing messages, you can regain control of your communication and avoid unnecessary interruptions. It’s important to remember that you have the power to decide who can contact you and when.
In addition to these tips, it’s also important to be mindful of the information you share online. Sharing personal information, such as your phone number, on public forums or social media platforms can make you vulnerable to unwanted communication. Be sure to keep your personal information private and only share it with trusted contacts.
