That’s right! 1992 was not only the year of the summer Olympics in Alberta, France and Barcelona, Spain, it also brought the world text messaging.In a 2015 Pew Research survey it was found that 97% of smart phone users send text messages, and it is the most widely-used smartphone feature. So…
10 Texting Etiquette Tips To Keep In Mind
When 97% of smart phone users are busy sending text messages, there is going to be some miscommunication or frustration. These texting etiquette tips might not have won a gold medal in Barcelona or Alberta, but they are still worth noting and using.
1. Spamming (the equivalent of double dipping – think Seinfeld).
2. Firing off “whats up?” if you are over the age of 16.
3. Texting while driving or texting someone you know is driving.
4. Drunk texting (unless it’s to score a taxi or Uber).
5. Starting in-depth conversations about the state of your relationship.
6. Sending photos that you wouldn’t want your parents, boss or neighbors to see.
7. Proposing marriage (e.g. Floyd Mayweather, see here) or break up with a long-term partner over text messaging.
8. Writing that it’s super mega URGENT when it’s not (little boy who cried wolf)
9. Venting, being mean, negative or putting other people down (hello “screen shot”).
10.Using too many or obscure acronyms (e.g. BRB TTYL LYLAS).
So now that you have the 10 texting etiquette tips sorted out, here are a few more ideas that you should keep in mind.
Don’t Hide Behind Technology
Are you hiding behind texting as a means to avoid face-to-face interactions with people? STOP.
If you find you have a much easier time writing flirtatious, “come hither” texts than you in the flesh, it’s time you learned how to flirt in person. Put the phone down and step outside of your comfort zone. It is true that the best things happen “out there”.
Don’t Make Assumptions!
The worst thing you can do is assume someone’s tone of voice with a text message. You might have received a one word answer or something was capitalized and you immediately jumped to the conclusion that the person was angry or upset.
Before you stew and ruin your entire day, pick up the phone and call them!
Also, keep the same idea in mind when it’s YOU sending a one word reply or capitalizing a sentence. It’s easy to make assumptions. Take a minute and word your text differently, or maybe add a smiley emoticon.
Why?
Because itsy bitsy tweaks can keep a light-hearted message from being mistaken as serious (or aggressive).
Did we miss any texting etiquette tips?
Leave a comment below!
