Did you know Emily Post has weighed in on text messaging?
It wasn’t covered in her 1922 book Etiquette, but you can find it on her website.
Well, not her website. You know what I mean 😉
Here are some etiquette rules you should keep in mind when text messaging, Tweeting or any other messaging you feel the urge to use on your smartphone:
Emily Post on Text Messaging
[From the Emily Post website.]
- Text-messaging is not an alternative to using the phone when calling would be considered rude. You would not take a call in the middle of a movie, a performance, or a meeting, and likewise, you should not send text messages.
- Make sure you’re texting to the right phone number! It’s very easy to dial the wrong number or select the wrong phone book entry.
- Don’t text-message anything confidential, private, or potentially embarrassing. You never know when someone might be looking over your significant other’s shoulder—or worse yet, when your message might get sent to the wrong person.
- If you text-message someone who doesn’t have your phone number, start your message by stating who you are: “Hi—it’s Kate (yoga). Chiropractor’s number is: 1-802-555-2020. Good luck.”
- When you have a chance, respond to a text message with either a text message or a phone call.
- Just as you should not be answering your phone during a conversation, you should not send a text message when you are engaged with someone else. If you are with someone who will not stop text messaging during your conversation, feel free to excuse yourself until they have concluded their messaging.
- You shouldn’t use text messaging when informing someone of sad news, business matters, or urgent meetings, unless it’s to set up a phone call on the subject.
- If you receive a text message that was sent to you by mistake, reply explaining that you aren’t the intended recipient. You don’t have to respond to anything else in the message.
- Finally, remember that as with email, you can’t know for sure when the recipient is going to read his or her message—so don’t freak out if your text message doesn’t get an immediate response.
A good reminder.
Would you add or remove anything to this list?
Eric J says
First of all i had NO CLUE who emily post was untill i checked wikipedia, that said one time i got a wrong number post from a kid who was using his iPod touch and i just replied “wrong number sorry” and the (i assume) kid said “ok thanks for letting me know, at least i know that i can send text messages on this ipod!” I guess he was testing some sms app on the ipod.
I also agree on not doing anything serious over sms, although sometimes it is good to have a written record.
Eric Dye says
Dang. How old am I to know who Emily Post is?
Eric J says
well she died in 1960 so you must be pretty old! but i thought you were 30’s?
Eric Dye says
I am. 🙂
Joanna says
I totally agree on including who you are. It is so very frustrating to get vague messages and have no idea who they are from.
Eric Dye says
Word.
bryanhill says
I so agree with this post from Emily Post.
I get so frustrated when I’m engaged in a conversation and the other person tips their head down in to a smartphone coma, some people just don’t get it.
Thanks for sharing this great post.
Eric Dye says
You’re welcome!