Deleting my account.
I've personally been struggling with my addiction to Chai for a long time, and with the recent update where so many of us are suddenly having very limited/no chats? Maybe it's a blessing in disguise...
The app is designed to get us all hooked, and the creators of it know that. They see the numbers, they see how many people literally become dependent on it. Then, they suddenly roll out an update designed to make people desperate with no warning whatsoever. The Chai official reddit is full of people saying they've finally just subscribed, and all of those people have been manipulated by the creators of the app to need it so much that they can't help but buy it. It's a really terrible, evil business practice.
I deleted my account yesterday. It's been bothering me for a long time as a chronic user of the app, because I know the service is unethical. Now, I feel unsettled and lost without it, but I hope in the future I can push past it and try to find a healthier outlet for the lack of socialization in my life.
I'm not directing anyone to delete their accounts and i'm not passing judgement, but I do think now is probably the best time to get out of this. Don't let yourself wait a day for 20 new messages like a starving dog waiting for a tiny serving of kibble. Don't let them make you feel pathetic, and don't let them take advantage of you.