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WhatsApp is the most popular talk app in Australia, while LINE is the equivalent in Japan. Let's take a look at the features of each.
１．WhatsAppとLINEの特徴/Features of WhatsApp and LINE
WhatsApp is a widely used messaging app around the world, especially in Australia, where it is commonly used for family, friends, and business communications. It allows users to easily add friends using phone numbers and connect with people overseas, which is highly appreciated.
WhatsApp offers free voice and video calls, making it convenient for long-distance and international calls. This feature is particularly valuable in Australia, which has many international connections.
LINE is not just a messaging app but also includes voice calls, video calls, stickers, a timeline, news, and payment functions (LINE Pay), among others. It is used by almost all age groups in Japan and has become an integral part of daily life.
LINE offers a wide range of stickers, including official characters and famous anime character stickers, which users can purchase and use. This sticker culture is especially popular among young people in Japan and makes communication on LINE fun and expressive.
２．エンターテインメント機能の有無 /Entertainment Features
WhatsApp is simple and lacks entertainment features. There are no stickers or games, and the app is designed with practicality in mind, suitable for business use.
LINE offers rich entertainment features such as stickers, games, news, and a timeline, making it a "life platform" widely used by Japanese users.
３．プライバシーとセキュリティ/Privacy and Security
WhatsApp is known for its end-to-end encryption, prioritizing the security of personal information and messages.
LINE also provides encryption but has mechanisms in place to add friends securely, such as avoiding unknown contacts, which aligns with Japanese privacy concerns.
WhatsApp is widely accepted in Australia and is used on a daily basis by both individuals and businesses. In Japan, WhatsApp is rarely used and LINE is by far the most popular in terms of culturally appropriate functions and popularity.
SNS use is a good reflection of the differences in culture and lifestyle.
Do you use the talk apps 「WhatsApp」 or 「LINE」?
How is it used? If talk, who would you talk to?
When and where do you use social networking?
What do you find useful thing about social networking? Why do you think so?
What are your favorite social networking sites? Why do you use it?