Have you ever noticed how differently people compose text messages? Or how they respond to texts?

Some people have the habit of writing a miniature novel, leaving you wondering how they can crank out all that copy on such a little phone. Others use so many acronyms, you have no idea what they’re actually trying to say. And some simply reply with a curt “Thanks,” “k,” or the dreaded thumbs up emoji.
Personally, these terse replies always leave me wondering: are they having a bad day, or are they upset about something? Why are they being so cold?
And as we find ourselves nearing the end of 2020, we’re conversing with colleagues, friends, and family members through texting and tech tools like Slack and email more than ever. Millennials have gained a reputation for hating phone calls, and you can’t exactly walk over to your co-worker’s cubicle to ask for their feedback right now… so, how are you supposed to communicate efficiently and thoughtfully when you’re not face-to-face?
If you’ve ever wished for a primer on the ever-changing etiquette on text messaging and communicating through tech tools, read on–we’ve got you covered!
A New Lexicon
Chances are, you’re probably already familiar with standard acronyms like BRB (be right back), MIL (mother-in-law), BFF (best friends forever), IDK (I don’t know), and TTYL (talk to you later). But have you ever had a text conversation with someone who over acronymizes (acronym + economize)? If so, you know those acronyms can sometimes be more confusing than they are efficient.
After all, it doesn’t really save any time when I have to ask them what BBQ might mean (turns out it’s Be Back Quickly, which has nothing to do with food and grilling).
Know Your Audience
So, how can you make sure you’re not the one making your text conversations unnecessarily confusing and time consuming?
Thankfully, the best practices for digital communication are a lot like the guidelines for writing copy. Most importantly? Know your audience! While your friends will probably get exactly what your acronyms and emojis mean, colleagues outside of your age group might not.
What Would Emily Post Say About Texting Etiquette?
If you’ve ever wished for an etiquette pro to weigh in on texting, you’re in luck! The Emily Post Institute has an entire set of guidelines to abide by if you want to be on your best behavior when sending and receiving text messages. Emily’s rules are surprisingly intuitive–like avoid delivering bad news via text, don’t text at the movies, and don’t text and drive.
Be Prepared for Change
If there’s one thing we can be sure of when it comes to technology, it’s that the rules will always be changing. For example, while emojis were once relegated strictly to casual conversations, it has become more acceptable to use them strategically in friendly, professional texts.
Even Emily Post’s views on texting etiquette have changed as technology and culture have evolved! Would you believe that just a few years ago, it was considered unacceptable to ask someone out on a second date via text message!?
Emily, by the way, loves texting! For those of us who feel that a text requires an immediate reply, she recommends responding either by phone or text as soon as you have a chance.
What’s Your Text Personality?
When I think of my own texting habits and those of the people I’m acquainted with, it becomes really clear that there are various personalities of texters. You can tell a lot about a person based on how they text!
I have one friend whom I can never reach for a live call. She only texts. Sometimes I call her when she’s texting me, but still no pick up. To her defense, she’s a mother of 4 kids younger than 7, so how could she have time to actually talk?
Another friend will just randomly talk about her intimate feelings, physical conditions, and any other thought or drama of the day via text. The funny thing is, she’s exactly like that in person, too.
And we probably all know someone who uses Siri or voice-to-text to help them compose their messages, but they come out… not exactly as intended.
I also have relatives who will randomly send me a single word text as reply to something I asked, emailed, or sent days earlier. By the time they respond with a “Thanks” three days after I’ve sent something, it always leaves me thinking “Huh? For what?”
Text and Tech Etiquette: It Doesn’t Have to be Complicated
Communicating via text, email, Slack, or Basecamp doesn’t have to be complicated. By following a few simple guidelines, you can keep things pleasant and efficient–whether you’re texting your friends, your family members, or your colleagues.
Be clear, keep it simple, provide the necessary context, and don’t get too wordy. BBQ! 😉
Your turn! What best practices have you implemented when it comes to texting or written communication with your friends, family, and team? Let us know in the comments!