I don't understand - how could they not get in touch with anyone? Surely SMS would have still worked if they were available on WhatsApp?

A_Duck 4 hours ago | parent | next [-]

Trying to do an ELIHN here...

On a holiday of 10 people, everybody exchanging numbers means 10x9/2 = 45 actions, with many of those edges between strangers (higher cost edge)

Each person adding their friend to the Whatsapp group is 9 actions, with all edges between friends (low-cost edge)

So in practice, only the second one happens. He had one other person's number, but that particular person didn't check their phone.

What the heck is an ELIHN?

Explain Like I'm Hacker News

	▲	prmoustache 2 hours ago \| parent [-]
		If that is your friend he surely had your number right and possibly others? Then why couldn't he get in touch with you or others? Most whatsapp groups end up being muted by almost anyone because they are an annoyance so they are hardly the place where you would ask for help anyway because virtually nobody would get notified.

I have not used SMS in many years. Nor RCS. I don't want my mobile provider to have any part in my Comms besides moving bytes around.