Texting has truly revolutionized the way we communicate, but let’s face it, not everyone has adapted to it in the same way.
There’s a certain generation, bless their hearts, who seem to have developed their own unique texting habits.
I’m talking about our Boomer friends, and some of their habits are, well, baffling at best.
In this digital age where clarity is paramount to successful business communication, some of these Boomer texting habits just don’t make sense anymore.
Let’s dive in, and explore seven of these quirky habits, and why it might be time for a little texting tune-up:
1) The hunt and peck method
We all know it, and let’s be honest, it’s a little endearing.
The one-finger, eyes squinted, hunt and peck texting method that Boomers have adopted is iconic.
But in the fast-paced digital world where time is money, it’s not exactly efficient.
When you’re running a business, time is of the essence, and this slow texting style can lead to lost opportunities and wasted time.
In the age of rapid-fire group chats and quick business decisions being made over text, the hunt and peck method just doesn’t cut it anymore.
For the sake of productivity and keeping up with the pace of modern communication, it’s high time for our Boomer friends to level up their texting game.
Speed and efficiency are key in today’s digital landscape, after all.
2) Overuse of formal language
Now, this one takes me back.
I remember getting a text from my dad that read, “Dear Daughter, I hope this message finds you in good health. Your mother and I would like to extend an invitation for dinner at our residence this Friday. Kindly revert at your earliest convenience. Best regards, Dad.”
I couldn’t help but chuckle as it felt more like a formal business email than a casual text invitation for family dinner.
While there’s something charming about the formality, it can also be a bit intimidating or confusing for the person on the receiving end.
In today’s world of emojis and shorthand, such formal language can feel out of place.
Not to mention, it can take longer to write and read.
It’s time to embrace the informal, fast-paced nature of texting, while still maintaining respect and proper etiquette, of course.
It’s all about striking a balance between being professional and keeping up with the times.
3) Emojis? What emojis?
Believe it or not, emojis were actually invented back in 1999 by a Japanese artist named Shigetaka Kurita.
Fast forward to today, and they’ve become an integral part of our digital language.
However, our Boomer buddies often shy away from using them.
Now, this doesn’t mean they need to start sending messages made up entirely of emojis, but a well-placed smiley face or thumbs up can add a touch of friendliness and tone to a text.
Emojis can help convey emotions and intent, which can be especially useful in business communications to avoid misunderstandings.
It might be time for Boomers to get on board the emoji train and learn some of the basics.
Remember, a little bit of digital fluency can go a long way in this day and age.
4) The unnecessary sign-off
I’m sure we’ve all received a text from a Boomer that ends with something like “Best, John” or “Love, Mom”.
While it’s a sweet gesture, it’s not really necessary in the world of texting.
Texting is meant to be a quick, informal mode of communication—it’s more like a conversation where there isn’t a need to sign off after each message.
Plus, your name is usually already at the top of the conversation, so there’s no need to further identify yourself.
While it’s not a major issue, this habit can make text exchanges feel less fluid and more like an email thread.
And in today’s fast-paced digital world where quick and seamless communication is key, it might be time to drop the sign-offs.
5) The dreaded ALL CAPS
I still remember the first time I received an ALL CAPS text from my uncle.
My heart rate shot up as I read, “CAN YOU HELP ME WITH MY COMPUTER?”
For a moment, I thought he was in some kind of dire emergency.
Turns out, he just needed help updating his software.
The ALL CAPS message made it seem so much more urgent and intense than it actually was.
In the digital world, using all capital letters is often interpreted as yelling or showing extreme emotion.
It can easily be misinterpreted and cause unnecessary stress or misunderstanding.
By sticking to regular sentence case, we can keep our texts clear, calm, and easy to read.
6) Ignoring the group chat rules
Group chats have become a staple of modern communication, especially in business settings.
They’re a great way to share information quickly among a group of people.
But with this convenience comes some unspoken rules, and Boomers often seem to miss the memo.
Replying to every single message, sending irrelevant information, or using the chat for personal conversations are all faux pas in the group chat world.
Not only do these habits disrupt the flow of conversation, they can also be distracting and potentially annoying for others in the group.
It’s essential to understand and respect these unspoken rules to maintain a productive and harmonious group chat environment.
After all, effective communication is a cornerstone of any successful business.
7) Texting instead of calling for important matters
While embracing digital communication is essential, it’s equally crucial to know when a good old-fashioned phone call is necessary.
When it comes to discussing important business matters or having deep, meaningful conversations, texting just doesn’t cut it.
Texts can often be misinterpreted, and they lack the nuance and depth that voice communication can provide.
While adapting to modern texting practices is key, it’s equally important to remember that sometimes, picking up the phone is the best way to go.
Embracing the digital evolution
The whirlwind of digital communication is a force to be reckoned with, and while some Boomer texting habits may seem outdated or inefficient, they offer us a glimpse into a different era.
An era where communication was slower, more formal, perhaps more thoughtful.
As we continue to advance in this digital age, it’s crucial to embrace new practices and adapt to the ever-changing landscape.
It’s not just about keeping up with the times; it’s about fostering effective, meaningful communication in all areas of our lives – including business.
As for our Boomer friends, it’s never too late to learn and evolve.
Whether you’re a one-finger typer or an emoji enthusiast, the value lies not in how we text, but in the connections we make through our conversations.
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