Texting is convenient and widely used, but it’s important to follow certain etiquette to ensure effective communication. Here are 15 texting taboos to avoid, helping you maintain professionalism and respect in your digital correspondence.
Texting Taboos You Should Never Commit
Overuse of Abbreviations
Abbreviations in texting can cause confusion and be seen as informal or lazy. It’s important to use them sparingly and appropriately to avoid misinterpretation.
Texting while Driving
Texting while driving is dangerous and puts other road users at risk. It is also illegal in many places, as studies have shown it can be as hazardous as drunk driving. Safety should always come first over connectivity.
Texting Long Paragraphs
Texting is meant for brief communication. Long paragraphs can lead to miscommunication and misunderstandings. When people see a wall of text, they may feel overwhelmed or ignore the message. To avoid this, keep your messages clear and concise by breaking down your ideas into smaller chunks.
Texting Late at Night
Texting late at night is a texting taboo. It’s about respecting others’ personal time and space. Late-night texting can come off as thoughtless or even demanding, potentially causing strain on the relationship. It’s always best to wait until reasonable waking hours to send a message or call the person instead.
Constant Texting
Avoid constant texting. Excessive messaging can be perceived as clingy behavior and diminish the value of your messages. Be mindful of the time and space of others, and understand that immediate responses may not always be possible or appropriate.
Texting Confidential Information
Sending confidential information via text is not secure. It’s best to use more secure means to protect sensitive data.
Ignoring texts
Ignoring messages is a texting taboo. It can show a lack of respect and consideration. Timely replies are important to maintain healthy relationships. If you can’t reply immediately, a simple acknowledgment can help show respect for the sender’s time and effort.
Use of ALL CAPS
Typing in ALL CAPS is generally considered shouting or being excessively emphatic, which can lead to misunderstandings and disrupt conversational balance. Avoid using ALL CAPS in most forms of written communication unless there’s a specific reason to use them.
Excessive Emojis
Emojis can add a playful touch to text messages but overusing them can make you appear unprofessional. It’s important to strike a balance and use clear language to avoid misunderstandings.
Texting During Meetings and Important Events
Texting during meetings or significant events can be perceived as disrespectful and unengaged. It’s important to keep our phones on silent and stowed away to maintain proper etiquette, ensure full attention, and avoid distractions.
Texting Breakups
Breakups over text are often seen as impersonal and disrespectful. It’s important to choose a more compassionate approach like a personal conversation to show respect for the other person’s feelings.
Using Texts for Serious Conversations
Avoid using texts for serious conversations. They lack nuances of face-to-face communication, leading to misunderstandings and strain in relationships. Have important discussions in person or via a phone call for better communication.
Texting when you’re Angry
When angry, avoid texting as it clouds judgment and leads to impulsive messages that can be misinterpreted. Take a moment to calm down before communicating your feelings via text.
Use of Offensive/ Inappropriate Language
Avoid using offensive or inappropriate language while texting. It can damage relationships and is often misinterpreted in written form. Keep a polite and professional tone for meaningful interactions.
Not Proofreading
Proofreading your texts is crucial to avoid miscommunication and misunderstandings. Always take a few seconds to double-check your messages before sending to maintain the integrity of your digital communication.
Source: Commentary: Texting taboos
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