sounds like telegram app to me. yes, there are also channels and groups, but you have "friended" them, so, it was your choice. however, in general it is still to "get notifications and updated from those who you friended".

> until the crossed images in the background converge

that's the issue! like an OP i never was able to "converge" the images. for me it is phisically impossible: they are too far apart and never come closer. maybe because i have an astigmatism.