Blue Vs Green: Consumerism, Elitism & Digital Classism
The debate over the green bubble vs. the blue bubble has become a cultural phenomenon in recent years. For those unfamiliar with the issue, it is a reference to the color of the chat bubbles in the iPhone’s messaging app. Blue bubbles indicate that a message is being sent between two iPhones using Apple’s proprietary messaging service, iMessage, while green bubbles indicate that a message is being sent between an iPhone and a non-iPhone device.
While it may seem like a small detail, the green bubble has become a symbol of exclusion and status, with some iPhone users going so far as to refuse to communicate with people who use Androids or other non-iPhone devices.
Status and Identity
At the heart of the green bubble vs. blue bubble debate is the way in which Apple has positioned itself as a luxury brand. From its sleek design to its high price point, the iPhone has become a status symbol in our society. While there are certainly other high-end smartphones on the market, Apple has managed to create a sense of exclusivity around its products. As a result, the blue bubble has become a symbol of membership in an exclusive club. It is a visual representation of the fact that the person you are communicating with is also part of the Apple ecosystem.
This sense of membership is important because it speaks to issues of identity and status. The blue bubble is a way of signaling that you are part of an elite group of people who can afford Apple products. For some, this is a point of pride. They take pleasure in the fact that they are able to use an iPhone and participate in the iMessage community.
For others, however, it can be a source of anxiety. They worry that if they don’t have an iPhone or if they are communicating with someone who doesn’t have an iPhone, they will be viewed as less cool or less valuable.
Real-World Implications
While the green bubble vs. blue bubble debate may seem trivial, it can have real-world implications. For one thing, it can be incredibly frustrating for iPhone users who are trying to communicate with people who don’t have…
