Someone might turn on disappearing messages on WhatsApp primarily for privacy and security reasons. This feature automatically deletes messages after a set period (24 hours, 7 days, or 90 days), which helps prevent sensitive information from being permanently stored or accessed by unauthorized parties

. Key reasons include:

• Enhanced Privacy: It allows users to share sensitive or personal information without leaving a permanent record, reducing the risk of messages being seen later by unintended viewers or if the device is compromised

• Reduced Digital Clutter: Automatically deleting old messages helps keep conversations lighter and reduces storage use on devices, which is useful as chats can accumulate large amounts of data over time

• Control Over Conversation Lifespan: Users can feel more comfortable sharing information knowing it will disappear, promoting freer and more secure communication

• Group Chat Management: In groups, admins can control disappearing messages to maintain privacy and manage chat history effectively

However, disappearing messages might not be suitable for conversations requiring permanent records, such as business deals or important agreements

. In summary, disappearing messages on WhatsApp are used to enhance privacy, reduce message clutter, and give users control over how long their messages remain visible