Between family group texts, the group texts for sports teams we’re involved with, group texts with old friends from summer camp… you get the idea. Group texts can be huge, busy, and hard to keep up with. They are often the place where social drama plays out in uncomfortable ways. On the other hand, they are super helpful when organizing get-togethers and sharing information quickly with a lot of people. How can we get the best from our group texts?
- Keep it Real: Stick to people you know and who know each other. If individuals get added who are not known to some in the group, it increases the risk of posts being misunderstood.
- Posts Meant for All: Side conversations should only happen on the side. Every post should be for the whole group. That also means taking into account time zones and bedtime habits of all group members before posting.
- If It’s Time for a Break: Consider your options to mute notifications or leave. Whichever option you choose, do it discreetly. Let someone in the group know in person if you’re leaving, but avoid announcing it with a text. It could be misinterpreted and detrimental to those relationships.
Share these group text tips with your kids, and find more in this article from Real Simple.