>Why do you think Whatsapp is so popular now and not SMS anymore?

Is this actually the case? I've heard Whatsapp is popular outside the states (something about differences in phone plans, in the US unlimited SMS texting is basically universal) but it's definitely still in the minority here. Anecdotally I feel like each friend group here has a different, idiosyncratic method of text communication in the US. Some people communicate through SMS, others through instagram/snapchat, others through discord, or whatsapp, or facebook messenger, etc. There are some interesting trends in the distribution along age and gender lines too.

In Germany, it is absolutely the case, yes. We have unlimited SMS as well, but I think we didn’t have it back in 2011 or whenever WhatsApp launched.

Almost everybody is on WhatsApp. Groups for local stuff, extended family, parents of kids classes, whole school classes etc.

Some people are also on Instagram, but not as a first for communication.

Telegram is a thing, but more in working class circles.

Nobody uses Snapchat. Some kids might use TikTok, but hardly as a replacement for WhatsApp. It’s really that strong.

Yes, but the data collection is tangential to that value. With Linkedin, you get direct financial benefit from having recruiters able to search Linkedin's database and target you with opportunities.