The practice of using a telephone number to identify, access, or engage with social networking platforms is a growing trend. This method often bypasses traditional email-based registration or account recovery processes, offering a seemingly streamlined user experience. For instance, a service may allow a new user to sign up and create a profile simply by verifying a code sent to their mobile device.
Leveraging a mobile number presents certain advantages. It can potentially enhance security through two-factor authentication, reduce spam accounts, and provide a readily available means of contacting users. Historically, this functionality evolved from SMS-based social networking to integrated platform features, reflecting the increasing ubiquity of mobile devices. This approach also facilitates targeted advertising and data collection related to user demographics and location.