Recently, I sent a text to a family member with a “thumbs-up” emoji in response to a comment he had texted me. My phone, which has clearly decided I am a dimwit and frequently need help in completing any task on it, took the opportunity to direct me to a website page of telephone etiquette. The first line of this page indicated that a “thumbs-up” emoji is viewed by those receiving it as passive aggressive.
Passive aggressive? How in the world is that emoji viewed as any kind of aggressive? I was stunned. I immediately sent my family member an apology, saying I certainly did not intend to convey any kind of discord, let alone aggression.
He responded: thumbs-up emoji.
Okay, now I’m totally confused. I returned to the “helpful” article to discover what other phone etiquette errors I have been making lately. My discoveries were disconcerting, to say the least.
First, it’s imperative that we do not leave voice mail messages. I have no idea why this is so, since leaving messages on phones has been happening since answering machines were invented (in 1931, but commercially available in 1949). They are polite and often extremely helpful ways to communicate. But, they are seen as redundant, because most people don’t listen to them. Well, so they say. I listen to them, as do all the folks on my contact list.
Admittedly, that’s not a large number of people, but still. Clearly, not everyone finds voice mail to be archaic. The article went on to suggest that a video message would be preferable.
Video message ?! I don’t even Facetime, unless it’s a dire emergency or required by someone’s disability. Not only do I not like it, but I don’t know how to leave a video message, so I won’t be doing that any time soon.
When they invent the face screen that Jane Jetson used, then and only then¸ will I consider leaving a video message.
The rest of the list from the article includes:
• Although it may be tempting, avoid texting or accepting calls during face-to-face conversations (because you have to be told that’s rude);
• Avoid discussing personal topics in an area where others may hear you (well, that’s a given);
• Avoid using inappropriate pictures for a person’s contact photo (no idea how to add a picture);
• Be mindful about what you tag people in on Facebook (no idea how to do this!);
• Don’t talk/text and drive (it’s the law, right?);
• Put your phone on silent mode in theaters, restaurants, plays, performances, etc. (they had to tell us this?) and
• Always text before calling someone. Why? To be sure it’s a convenient time, I presume. Which, by the way, is making me do two things to accomplish one thing.
Here’s an idea: if it’s not a convenient time for you, don’t answer. I will LEAVE A VOICE MAIL. Or! I can text you what I wanted to ask or say, and you can send me back a thumbs-up emoji let me know you received my message.
I am – what’s the appropriate word – offended !! by all the non-sense electric modification and changes have made. I realize I am 80 years young, but surely do miss the days when face to fact communications were enjoyed and expected – also, I think IF a power grid goes down country wide, what in the world will folks DO ! Bring back land line and phones that have dial- up with no notification of whom is calling and lets do that for about 10 years??? or even 10 months and they would all go nuts!!! And the country would be bankrupt in a heartbeat!!
👍 ❤️