The Social Life: Making the Facebook Messenger switch

If you're on Facebook (and not many people aren't) you'll probably have noticed a strong push to get you using Messenger - a standalone Facebook app already downloaded by more than a billion people.

You may also have read or heard a lot about users' privacy concerns. Much of this comes from the Android permissions required to use the app. These state you must agree the app can take pictures and video, record audio, call phone numbers and read your contacts.

On the face of it, it sounds easier and safer to keep messaging through the Facebook app. Plus, it's a bit of a pain in the bum to work with two Facebook apps.

But when I try to access my chat feature through the Facebook app I'm instead hit with a screen asking me to either install Messenger or learn more about it, when all I want to do is read my messages.

Facebook says Messenger is much faster, you can message people even if you aren't Facebook friends, and you can make free calls over Wi-Fi.

But what about those privacy concerns?

Facebook's FAQ for Android users explains why it needs to get those permissions:

*Take pictures and videos: This permission allows you to take photos and videos within the Messenger app to easily send to your friends and other contacts.
*Record audio: This permission allows you to send voice messages, make free voice calls, and send videos within Messenger.
*Directly call phone numbers: This permission allows you to call a Messenger contact by tapping on the person's phone number, found in a menu within your message thread with the person.
*Receive text messages (SMS): If you add a phone number to your Messenger account, this allows you to confirm your phone number by finding the confirmation code that we send via text message.
*Read your contacts: This permission allows you to add your phone contacts as Messenger contacts if you choose to do so. You can always stop syncing your phone contacts by going to your Messenger settings.

Some security experts claim the Messenger app is less invasive than the Facebook app itself.

And as the Wall Street Journal reported that while Android app users must agree to all permissions, iPhone users can decline permission for some features, but still use the app to send messages.

If you're constantly hooked up to Wi-Fi, Messenger looks like a pretty good option for keeping in touch with friends and family - a potential replacement for your texting and chat apps. But, as with any app, if you're not completely convinced, and sceptical about Facebook's intentions, no one's forcing you to use it. Though while you're at it you might want to rethink using many of your other apps too ... including Facebook.