Flat' out cry for help answered

Societies and complexes in Bengaluru have a new emergency code. And no, it’s not really the cops or a savvy security panel, but reliable WhatsApp groups. From concerns about the general safety to getting assistance with all chores that fall under the periphery of  domestic nitty-gritty; WhatsApp groups are the new ‘go-to’. Gauging the importance to maintain a rapport and share information today, being active on the app can actually hold you in good stead. We dig deeper into the trend...

Earned yourself a rap? Just WhatsApp! “There is complete democracy in a WhatsApp group. Multiple messages are sent and everyone, whether you like it or not are on the same page. One of the saddest parts of living today is that despite having access, not many of us are aware. In complexes where there are at least an odd-50 people living, information can get communicated fast... if for example someone needs blood, or an issue which has been festering for a long time,” begins Shekhar Vijayan, a stand-up comedian and resident of Camden Castle apartments, Pai Layout, who adds, “Someone sent us a message about how an auto man was harassing him.  Members escalated the matter and the  cops were informed. It’s very important in an apartment... there are people working odd hours, weekends, travelling around the globe... if something is bothering you, speak up on whatsapp, all you need is a phone to get connected.”

Keep it simple: Aside of benefits like immediate access, quick responses and a platform for clarification, Sachin Dev , an entrepreneur believes people  should be a part only if one genuinely fits in. “If it’s a group for a purpose, and if people start posting their usual forwards, it loses its point. Apartments must have different groups that focus on a particular age  interests. I don’t mind being in multiple groups, as long as the conversations are relevant.” Thinking along similar lines, Naaila Khan, a copywriter  who lives in Richmond Town, vouches by the need for a balance between the admin and the number of members. “It’s important to have groups that are closely monitored.  Admins needs to be people who are a tad assertive and know when to ask people to just shut up. The other day, my friend let me in on a rather interesting episode on her building group — one woman’s errant dog bit another’s unsupervised kid, and the two bickered about whose carelessness it was — the parent’s or the pet’s parents? The rest picked sides, tempers soared, and the catty exchange was almost hilarious if it wasn’t for the unfortunate incident. It was hard to say who was right, until the admin intervened to take the matter out of the group. So I guess just like how decorum is maintained in office groups, apartment groups also need an authority.”