Group chats aren’t just a tool for socializing; they are essential to just about anything. Need to talk to your friends, teammates, co-workers, etc? Group chats are the way to go. The main purpose of a group chat is to talk with multiple people at once. It’s easy and efficient. When it comes to group chats the whole point is to have a place where you can go with others to dynamically share information and ideas. Everyone knows group chats are superior. Whether you have a group chat “with the guys” or as simple as teammates, group chats are considered hype. Considering the popularity of group chats, we can probably all agree that there are a certain set of rules or guidelines for how to act when you’re in one. That’s what I chose to examine–a list rules to avoid being that guy in the group chat.
- Stay On Topic
There is no need to send unrelated snaps or messages to a group chat for sports, work, or anything in that category. I don’t need or want to see a cringey side picture of your face, and I promise you no one else does either. Going along with that, mass snaps are also a big NO. Frequently sending pictures to a sports team group chat is not getting you brownie points with everyone, in fact it does quite the opposite.
- Don’t Be Repetitive
Asking questions that were stated and answered earlier in the group chat is also a no. All you have to do is scroll up and read through previous messages, and it’s very frustrating when people ask questions that have already been answered. Sending the same old meme or Tik Tok isn’t amusing either (a.k.a dad vibes).
- Just Be You
Group chat etiquette is pretty easy to follow. A group chat can be a great bonding tactic. However, don’t become hasty or too much with your comments. Be sure to read — and review — your replies or snaps before hitting send. An ambiguous sentence or action can easily be misconstrued or annoy several people at once if you don’t stop and take time to properly think of the best way to respond/approach your group chat.
- Don’t Add Without Consent
Adding people to group chats without consulting the other members is one of the biggest group chat sins you can do. Group chats are considered a “sacred” place. Adding someone to an existing group chat without everyone’s approval is like breaking “bro code.”
- Don’t Spam, but also Don’t Ignore
You’re in a group chat for a reason, so act like it. There should be no reason to constantly view the group chat and leave it on read. That’s just straight disrespect. At that point you shouldn’t even be in the group chat, because there’s simply no reason to be. Going off of that, you need to be involved but to an extent. You shouldn’t be blowing up the group chat in the middle of the night or at the crack of dawn when no one is awake to even respond. Nothing is more frustrating than getting woken up from the constant notifications.
These 5 easy rules are the pathway to a successful group chat. These rules are a game changer, and how you incorporate them can make or break your group chat. It doesn’t take much effort, but setting boundaries has a huge impact. Most importantly have fun, enjoy it, and be yourself. Just don’t be that guy.