Why Texting on Your Phone is a Bad Idea in 2025

Texting used to be the simplest way to reach someone quick, reliable, and universal. Whether you were on iPhone or Android, SMS and RCS were always there, bridging the gap between different phones and networks. But things have changed. 

In today’s digital landscape, sticking to traditional texting might be doing more harm than good. Here’s why it’s time to rethink the way you send messages.

Your phone number is your weakest link

Every time you send a text, you’re using your phone number. That might not sound like a big deal, until you realize it’s a doorway for spam, scams, and unwanted attention.

Unlike apps like WhatsApp or Signal that allow you to create usernames, SMS and RCS still rely on your digits. That means anyone who gets hold of your number can message you with no permission and no barriers.

Now imagine someone sending out two million scam messages a day. It’s not an exaggeration. Security experts say some cybercriminals are doing exactly that. And guess what? Most of those messages come through SMS and RCS, not secure platforms like WhatsApp.

RCS promised a lot but It’s failing

Rich Communication Services (RCS) was supposed to be the next big thing. With promises of encryption, better media sharing, and typing indicators, it sounded like the modern answer to SMS. But in reality, it’s lagging behind.

Spam filters are still weak, attackers are exploiting the system, and the promised end-to-end encryption hasn’t rolled out the way we hoped.

Apple isn’t fully behind RCS either, which leaves iPhone users stuck between iMessage and an insecure system. Even Google’s best marketing can’t hide the fact that RCS is struggling to deliver on its promises.

Messaging apps are getting smarter and safer

While texting gets messier, messaging apps are stepping up. WhatsApp, for example, is rolling out features that let you create a username so you no longer need to share your number at all. Want to start a chat with someone new? 

They’ll need to enter a PIN you set up. It’s a major step forward in privacy and protection.

This kind of control simply doesn’t exist with traditional texting. With platforms like Telegram and Signal already offering similar privacy-first tools, the gap between texting and secure messaging apps is only getting wider.

Scams are everywhere and growing

The rise of “smishing” phishing scams via SMS has become a major concern. The FBI and cybersecurity firms are sounding the alarm as these attacks become more frequent and sophisticated. Whether it’s fake bank alerts or delivery scams, your text inbox is a soft target.

And unlike messaging apps where contacts can be verified and blocked easily, SMS leaves you open. That’s because the network isn’t built to keep threats out—it’s built to send messages fast. Unfortunately, that speed now works in favor of scammers.

The future of messaging isn’t texting

With WhatsApp introducing usernames, PIN protection, and even an iPad app at long last, it’s clear where the future is headed. Messaging apps are creating safer, smarter, and more flexible environments. Meanwhile, texting is stuck with outdated systems, limited features, and increasing risks.

Sure, there may still be times when you need to text like verifying your phone number for a service. But as a primary communication method? It’s no longer worth it.