Plain explanations of the signals people misread most — online status, last seen, blue ticks — written by people who build analytics on this data every day.
Short version of all of them: these signals are precise, and precision is not the same thing as meaning.
“Online” means the app is open — not that they’re in your chat. Including the linked-device trap.
The last time the app was open — not when they read your message. Plus the reciprocity rule.
One tick, two ticks, blue ticks — and the two places where turning them off doesn’t work.
Seven ordinary explanations, and why this signal can’t carry the weight people put on it.
Where to find it on iPhone and Android — and the four questions screen time can’t answer.