WhatsApp introduced a new feature Thursday which tells users not only when their messages have delivered, but also when they’ve been read.

The check marks which appear after you send a message will now have a third stage, which shows your message has been viewed.

According to the application’s Support Team, the new feature was aimed at eliminating confusion among its 600 million users.

Previously the first tick after you’ve sent a message means it has been successfully sent, while a double tick indicates the message has arrived on the receiver’s phone.

Now when the double ticks turns blue, it means the message has been read by the receiver.

This blue double tick is also available for messages sent in a WhatsApp group.

The new feature received various reactions from the public. While some applauded the feature, there are those who criticised the move, saying it will ruin lives and relationships.

Users now can no longer use the excuse of ‘not receiving a message’ when they simply did not want to reply to it.