Telegram might be worth a try. Also has the ability to join a group via Links (which also means QR Codes would work). There are a lot of options to manage groups, and even though it might not be as good as signal at encryption etc. it’s definitely better than WhatsApp
And that's why I prefer the closed system Apple provides (even though I might pay the 30% premium publishers forward to their users): Being able to cancel any subscription the same effortless way and seeing clearly when it will renew and what I will pay.
Maybe I'm missing the point. But Instagram, Facebook, Twitter - all of them are not mainly experienced through search but through a feed of endless content, curated by an algorithm. Most regular users don't even search that often, they consume. Maybe there could be an decentralized Internet where you follow specific handles and then they bring their content into your main "Internet" aka feed (= user friendlier RSS).
Really love it too, using it for around a year. Switzerland based, has strong protection. But still looking into / for alternatives, because - their 5/10 ⭐ apps and lack of possible automation in the inbox..