Since the launch of WhatsApp, it has caught on like fire. People think that just because they have your mobile number, it is their duty to WhatsApp you quotes, good morning, good night messages, jokes, videos and add you to groups where you don’t know anyone. All this without once finding out what your wish is.
WhatsApp is a cause of great angst for me as I like to limit my time online. I hate constant beeps on my phone and don’t really indulge in much conversation except for very few friends or family. I believe this is a great platform but is not being used very well. This is my attempt at sharing WhatsApp etiquette.
Here are some Don’ts on WhatsApp Chats
Do not add people to groups without their permission:
It is quite mindboggling how people create groups and just add people on without so much as breaking a sweat. Unless I have been added with my permission I quit the group, no exceptions. The time I spend online is limited, and I have no patience for being part of groups which mean zilch to me.
Don’t carry out personal conversations in groups:
What is with people and their one-on-one personal conversations in groups? I mean you could easily just message that person and do it, right? Why do I have to put up with reading your childhood tales or what you ate for dinner stories? Group conversations should pertain to the entire group unless it is a really small group and close-knit.
Don’t send personal messages to professional contacts:
I really don’t know why I should receive your romantic scribbles or a poem you composed when I share a strictly professional relationship with you. Unless you share a friendly rapport, do not try to get personal with professional contacts.
Don’t spam timelines:
I understand your excitement at finding a good quote or joke 50 times in a day but perhaps the other people are not as enthusiastic. Keep your forwards to few and far between. Again be sure to know if people appreciate that in a group.
Don’t use excessive emojis:
Yes, some people compose complete messages out of emojis. It can become annoying if repeated. Words are there for a reason — to convey meaning. Let’s only try to use emojis to complement words.
Don’t deviate from the purpose of the group:
This is assuming that your group was formed with some purpose. It could be banter, keeping in touch, planning an event or information only but do spell out the group’s purpose when you get people to join and it would help if some guidelines are also shared. More or less, stick to this purpose.
Don’t facilitate rumours:
Of late, people have forwarded a lot of hoax messages and even rumours. Please be careful and at least do a quick google search before forwarding that piece of information.
Don’t message at strange hours:
Okay, you may be a night owl or an early bird but not everyone is built that way. Please keep your messages at unearthly hours only for your very close friends.
Don’t expect an instant reply:
One thing about social media is that it has made us very impatient. Two blue lines and you count every minute before the reply trickles in. People have different priorities and a life as well. So wait some time before pinging again.
Don’t screenshot chats without permission
You may be itching to share the chat because it is funny or witty but do ensure you take the person/s consent before doing this. It ought to be basic courtesy when you are doing so. Also even with permission blurring out names protects privacy.
Hope these guidelines help.
What is your experience with WhatsApp? Do share any other don’ts in the comments.
Pic: Kaspars Grinvald at Shutterstock
Pinnable Image courtesy: Alex Ruhi on Shutterstock
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