This article explains how I use instant messaging services.
Jabber
Jabber is my firstly recommended instant messaging service. I use one Jabber account, which is provided by my mail service provider Autistici/Inventati for all purposes, incl. private or public communications.
Matrix
I have 2 Matrix accounts, one for public communications, and the other for private communications.
I use Matrix very often, however, if someone can be contacted using either Matrix or Jabber, I prefer Jabber. Matrix have its privacy issue ; Though it much less minor than those of those fucking proprietary monsters, that leads to my preference.
Tox, Briar and similar
These are distributed protocols and give me more control. However, they have usability and stability issues, thus I use them only when having some conversations that are considered sensitive.
Telegram and Signal
I don’t currently have a Telegram account or a Signal account. I have no friends using Signal; I want a Telegram to get connected to my local LUG (GNU/Linux User Group), however, Telegram is so hard to register in China, and there is no solution or workaround for me currently.
Skype, WhatsApp, WeChat, QQ and other proprietary monsters
I firmly reject those fucking proprietary malicious monstrous IM software and services. They all the fuck do spy on its users.
Carrier SMS/MMS
Since December 31, 2024, I no longer use carrier SMS/MMS without encryption for most purposes. SMS/MMS doesn’t require nonfree software, but the surveillance and censorship problems brought by SMS/MMS is by no mean more minor than those fucking proprietary IM services.
Appendix: comparison among the IM protocols/software
Here is a PDF file that contains my comparison among the IM prototols/software.