Texting Etiquette 101: 2023 Edition – Guidelines on What to Avoid

Commenting on this story, Lizzie Post shared an anecdote about sending a text message to a friend with a new baby and receiving a response a year later. She speculates on how her great-great-grandmother, the renowned etiquette expert Emily Post, would have reacted. According to Lizzie Post, Emily Post’s adaptable approach to etiquette would likely advocate for reconnecting rather than taking offense at the disconnection. Lizzie Post further explains that with the rise of texting as the primary mode of communication, traditional texting rules have become blurred. She mentions the conflicting advice found on platforms like TikTok and highlights the challenges posed by generational differences.

To shed some light on the subject, text messaging expert Justin Santamaria explains that texting has become the default mode of communication in today’s society. He advises that there is no one-size-fits-all rule for texting etiquette due to the collapse of contexts in text messages.

Michelle Markowitz, co-author of “Hey Ladies!: The Story of 8 Best Friends, 1 Year, and Way, Way Too Many Emails,” offers her insights on group texts. She discards the notion that certain conversations should be reserved for phone calls and instead encourages long-form messages. However, Markowitz acknowledges that certain etiquette rules still apply to group chats. For example, she advises introducing everyone in the group and creating new conversations for specific discussions instead of cluttering the group chat. When it comes to financial matters, Markowitz suggests being considerate of others’ budgets and providing alternative options.

In terms of grammar and punctuation, Markowitz believes that casual texting should not be scrutinized for traditional grammatical rules. Millennials and Gen-Zers are encouraged to embrace their own texting style without feeling judged.

The experts also discuss the importance of acknowledging text messages. Lizzie Post acknowledges that delays in responses have become more common due to the busyness of daily life. However, it is essential to follow up with a kind message if an answer is needed urgently. Justin Santamaria emphasizes the significance of acknowledgments, suggesting that a simple reaction like a smiley face or exclamation point can let the sender know their message was seen and appreciated.

The experts caution against being overly minimalist in text conversations. While short responses may be acceptable in certain circumstances, consistently replying with minimal effort can be seen as immature and disengaged. However, they acknowledge that different generations have different texting preferences, and it’s important to adapt accordingly.

They also touch on the practice of cryptic messages and emphasize the importance of providing context when requesting a conversation. Cryptic messages can cause anxiety for the recipient, so it’s better to be clear about the purpose of the conversation upfront.

Although delivering serious news over text is generally discouraged, the experts agree that texting has become a platform for discussing emotions. However, they caution that interpreting tone in written communication can be challenging, and it’s crucial to ask for clarification if needed.

Lastly, the experts mention the rise of texting in the workplace. While business texting has become more common, they remind individuals to remember the personal nature of the communication channel. Before sending a text to a coworker or superior, it’s important to consider the context and ensure that the message is appropriate.

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Denial of responsibility! Vigour Times is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
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