Both the “restrict” and “block” features on messenger are designed to help users control their online interactions and protect their privacy. However, there are some key differences between these two features, which we will explore in this answer.
Block:
Blocking a user on messenger means that you are preventing them from contacting you in any way. When you block someone, they won’t be able to send you messages, call you, or even see your profile on the platform. This is a strong action that should be taken only in cases where you want to cut off all communication with someone.
The block feature is useful in situations where you are being harassed, bullied, or receiving unwanted messages from someone. By blocking them, you are effectively removing them from your online world and preventing them from continuing to bother you. It is also useful when you want to protect your privacy from someone you don’t know or trust.
However, it is worth noting that when you block someone on messenger, they may still be able to see your comments and posts in shared groups or conversations. This is because blocking someone only prevents them from seeing your profile, not your content in group chats or public posts.
In addition, blocking someone on messenger is a one-way action, which means that the person you blocked will not be notified that they have been blocked. They will simply no longer be able to interact with you on the platform. However, they may eventually realize they have been blocked if they try to reach out to you and don’t get a response.
Restrict:
The “restrict” feature on messenger is a less drastic action than blocking, and is designed to give users more control over who can interact with them online. When you restrict someone, they can still send you messages and see your profile, but their messages will be automatically filtered into a separate message request folder.
This means that you won’t receive notifications for their messages, and their messages won’t appear in your main inbox unless you choose to move them there. Additionally, restricted users won’t be able to see when you are active on messenger, or when you have read their messages.
The “restrict” feature is useful in situations where you want to limit someone’s ability to contact you without completely cutting off communication. For example, if you are receiving unwanted messages from someone but don’t want to block them outright, you can restrict them to prevent their messages from cluttering up your inbox.
Another benefit of the “restrict” feature is that it allows you to protect your privacy without cutting off contact with someone completely. If you restrict someone, they won’t be able to see your activity status or when you have read their messages, which can help to prevent them from getting a read receipt if they are sending harassing messages.
In addition, if someone you have restricted sends you a message that you do want to receive in your main inbox, you can choose to “unrestrict” them, which will move their message to your main inbox and allow them to send you messages without being filtered in the future.
Conclusion:
In summary, the “block” feature on messenger is a more drastic action than the “restrict” feature. When you block someone, you are cutting off all communication with them, while restricting someone allows them to send you messages but filters them into a separate folder. Both features can be useful in different situations, depending on the level of contact you want to maintain with the person you are interacting with.
Ultimately, the choice of whether to block or restrict someone on messenger is up to you and depends on the situation. If someone is harassing you or making you feel uncomfortable, blocking them may be the best option. However, if you simply want to limit their ability to contact you without cutting off communication completely, restricting them may be a better choice.