Podcast
Questions and Answers
What did Katherine Rooks' son initially think when he saw the period at the end of her text message?
What did Katherine Rooks' son initially think when he saw the period at the end of her text message?
According to Gretchen McCulloch, what has happened to the period's original purpose in text messaging?
According to Gretchen McCulloch, what has happened to the period's original purpose in text messaging?
What did Katherine Rooks explain to her son about the period in text messaging?
What did Katherine Rooks explain to her son about the period in text messaging?
What is a possible tone that can be conveyed by a period in text messaging, according to Gretchen McCulloch?
What is a possible tone that can be conveyed by a period in text messaging, according to Gretchen McCulloch?
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Why did Katherine Rooks' son become agitated after receiving her text message?
Why did Katherine Rooks' son become agitated after receiving her text message?
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According to McCulloch, what can create a sense of passive-aggression in text messaging?
According to McCulloch, what can create a sense of passive-aggression in text messaging?
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What is lacking in text messaging compared to face-to-face verbal communication?
What is lacking in text messaging compared to face-to-face verbal communication?
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What is the result of adding a period to a response like 'Yup' in a text exchange?
What is the result of adding a period to a response like 'Yup' in a text exchange?
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How does Juan Abenante Rincon, a social media manager, feel about receiving text messages that end in periods?
How does Juan Abenante Rincon, a social media manager, feel about receiving text messages that end in periods?
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What does Isabelle Kravis, a student, think about using periods in text messaging?
What does Isabelle Kravis, a student, think about using periods in text messaging?
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Study Notes
The Power of Punctuation in Text Messaging
- A punctuation mark, particularly the period, can wield a lot of power in text messaging and can be misinterpreted as conveying anger or passive-aggression.
- Katherine Rooks, a Denver-based writer, experienced this firsthand when her son misinterpreted a text message she sent him, thinking she was angry because she ended the message with a period.
The Evolution of the Period in Text Messaging
- According to linguist Gretchen McCulloch, the period has lost its original purpose in text messaging since it's no longer necessary to indicate the end of a sentence, as hitting send on a message can accomplish this.
- The period has taken on a new role, indicating seriousness or a sense of finality, but caution is needed when combining it with positive sentiments to avoid creating a sense of passive-aggression.
The Limitations of Text Messaging
- Text messaging lacks the expressive features of face-to-face verbal communication, such as facial expressions, tone of voice, and pausing, which can lead to misunderstandings.
- People have repurposed punctuation, including the period, to convey emotional and interpersonal information in text messaging.
The Impact of Periods on Perceived Tone
- A 2015 study by Binghamton University psychology professor Celia Klin found that adding a period to a text message can make the message seem less friendly, less sincere, and more negative.
- Many young adults, including Juan Abenante Rincon and Emma Gometz, find text messages that end in periods to be harsh and passive-aggressive.
- However, context plays a role, and some individuals, like Isabelle Kravis, are less likely to interpret a period as aggressive depending on the conversation.
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Description
A text message misunderstanding between a mother and son leads to tension and confusion. Learn how punctuation can greatly impact communication.
