Texting and technology is a hot topic for Gen Z. There is a lot these digital natives want their parents — and their boss — to know about their preferred method of communication. It makes for a lively conversation, one I’ll be covering on Fox 7 Austin soon. Keep reading to learn more about texting etiquette and what Gen Z wishes you knew.
Periods and Punctuation are Passé
Gen Zers are used to informal chats, and a period may convey a feeling of irritation or indifference. This is especially true when the text is one statement, such as “Whatever you think is best.” That said, in a world full of varying generations, omitting a period could also come across as careless; it all depends on the recipient. (I went back and checked Emily Rose, my 25-year old daughter’s informal texts to me about our dogs and daily conversations, and there are no periods! I send her texts with punctuation and exclamation marks! lol)
Avoid Leaving a Voicemail
Many younger generations haven’t set up their voicemail and don’t know (or care to know) how to check for messages. They are often confused or annoyed about why someone would leave a voicemail when the same thought or request could be shared by text. Of course, it’s still wise to periodically check your inbox from time to time, since recruiters, doctors’ offices, and “old school” contacts, among others, gravitate towards voicemail. One side note: voicemail is not to be confused with voice memos, which can sometimes be a more convenient way to catch up or share a longer thought or story.
Emojis Send a Message
Emojis can differ in meaning among generations and may create a level of confusion, especially when one tiny emoji can change the entire tone of the text. A smiley face with a wide smile signals friendliness, while a thumbs-up can signal indifference. A heart to one person can signal “I love the idea” or “I love you,” which could be an uncomfortable mistake. If your plumber sends a heart rather than a thumbs-up in conversation, it could be misinterpreted.
Here are some commonly confused emojis:
- The crying face emoji can be sad or laughing hard
- Boomers often use a laughing emoji for sadness because of the tears
- Smiling hearts as “yes” or “happy” vs “love”
- The skull is the new “humor” signal – think of it as “I’m dying laughing”
- The upside-down face can be passive-aggressive, not lighthearted
- The winking face may come across as awkward if overused
- The folded hands emoji is less about prayer and more about gratitude or asking a favor to younger generations
Second Texts Are Okay
Gen Zers are impatient and often want an immediate answer – they are not as bothered by a second text as older generations. Especially with the number of messages flying back and forth in a given day, a second text can help your note float to the top again.
Stop the Bubbles
Gen Zers may see the bubbles indicating you are texting back and wait for your response, only to feel confused or put off when you don’t complete your thought and hit send. Don’t begin typing unless you are ready to hit send — and keep it short.
“Read” Receipts Are Outdated
Everybody agrees on this one! Many opt to turn this feature off on their phone to avoid hurt feelings and anxiety.
A GIF Is a Complete Response…
And it can be good for a laugh, but not to your boss!
Staying Super Connected Can Lead to Burnout
As much as Gen Z prefers text over phone calls or email, they are also experiencing technology fatigue. More in this group are exercising the “do not disturb” feature on their device or muting group chats. This is less about ignoring you and more about prioritizing their mental health. Most of us would agree that this can also be a healthy boundary.
You may also like Responding to Emails and Texts: Technology Etiquette.
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