In many countries including mine, it is such a fundamental form of communications that this amounts to becoming a hermit. I have two choices: either keep using WhatsApp, or:

• cut contact with almost my entire family (yes, I tried to get them to switch, no bueno)
• lose access to the best support communication option for most businesses
• miss updates and communications for groups (work, school, classes, etc.), including things like cancelled or rescheduled events
• make it harder for me to meet new people
• miss messages from delivery guys
• etc...

It gives me no pleasure to say this. Not using WhatsApp is not an option. I tried it for a time, when I was at my worst mental state. It didn't work out.

I still don't give WhatsApp phone permissions, which causes it to refuse to connect voice/video calls (even though it clearly doesn't need this permission). Even this sometimes causes some annoyance, as people try to call me via WhatsApp and I can't answer. I have to copy their number and call them normally. Small price to pay, I guess.