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…
