Texting might be second nature to younger generations, but for Boomers, it can be a completely different story. What feels casual or trendy to you can come across as confusing, rude, or downright annoying to them. Boomers grew up in a world where communication was more formal, and even texting comes with its own set of unspoken rules for them. Here are 15 common texting habits that are sure to irritate Boomers—and what you can do to avoid unnecessary tension.
1. Using Too Many Abbreviations
“IDK, BRB, LMK ASAP.” For Boomers, seeing a text full of abbreviations can feel like trying to decode a foreign language. While acronyms save time, they can make your message almost incomprehensible to someone who didn’t grow up using them. For Boomers, full words and proper sentences feel clearer and more respectful. According to Time, the frequent use of text abbreviations like “BRB” or “IDK” can feel insincere and confusing, especially to Boomers, who may not be familiar with shorthand, making communication less effective.
This isn’t just about understanding—it’s about feeling included. When you use excessive shorthand, Boomers might feel like you’re rushing the conversation or not taking the time to communicate properly. A little extra effort in spelling things out goes a long way toward keeping the conversation smooth and frustration-free.
2. Overloading On Emojis
Emojis are fun and expressive, but for Boomers, less is often more. Sending a dozen emojis in a single text—especially if they’re not entirely relevant—can leave them scratching their heads. To Boomers, an emoji or two might help convey tone, but a flood of icons feels excessive or even childish. As noted by The Guardian, excessive emoji use can overwhelm and confuse readers, particularly if the emojis are ambiguous or not directly tied to the conversation’s context.
When you rely too heavily on emojis, Boomers might think you’re avoiding clear communication. A single heart or thumbs-up can complement your message, but don’t expect them to interpret a string of random faces, objects, and hand gestures. Keep it simple and straightforward to avoid unnecessary confusion.
3. Responding With Just “K”
Sending “K” as a response might seem quick and efficient to you, but to Boomers, it comes across as dismissive or even passive-aggressive. It’s like ending a phone call by abruptly hanging up—it feels abrupt and leaves them wondering if something’s wrong. According to The Wall Street Journal, brief responses like “K” can come across as dismissive or passive-aggressive, especially in generational texting habits, where longer responses are preferred for clarity and tone.
Instead, take the extra second to type “Okay” or “Sounds good.” Adding even a small amount of warmth to your response helps convey that you’re engaged in the conversation. For Boomers, those two extra letters make a huge difference in tone and clarity.
4. Leaving Texts On “Read”
Boomers take “read receipts” very seriously. Seeing their message marked as “read” but receiving no response can drive them up the wall. To them, it feels like being ignored, even if you didn’t mean it that way. They grew up in an era where delayed responses were considered rude, and that habit carries over into texting. As highlighted by Psychology Today, leaving texts on “read” without a response can create anxiety or feelings of rejection, particularly for those who value timely acknowledgment in communication.
If you can’t reply right away, a quick “I’ll get back to you soon” helps manage their expectations. It’s not about dropping everything to respond immediately—it’s about acknowledging their message so they don’t feel like they’re being brushed off.
5. Typing In All Lowercase
Texting in all lowercase might feel casual and modern, but to Boomers, it can come across as lazy or careless. They grew up writing letters and emails where proper capitalization was non-negotiable, and they carry those habits into their texting style.
Taking the time to use proper capitalization shows effort and respect for the conversation. Boomers appreciate clear communication, and small details like capitalizing the first word of a sentence help make your messages feel thoughtful and polished rather than rushed or indifferent.
6. Overusing GIFs
GIFs are great for adding humor or emphasis to a text, but for Boomers, they’re often confusing or unnecessary. If the GIF references a meme or pop culture moment they don’t recognize, it can leave them feeling out of the loop. What you see as a clever addition to your message might feel irrelevant or even annoying to them.
When communicating with Boomers, it’s best to keep GIF usage minimal and purposeful. Instead of relying on visuals, use clear and direct language to express your thoughts. A single, well-chosen GIF might land better than a flurry of animated images that add more noise than clarity.
7. Ignoring Proper Grammar
Skipping punctuation or using shorthand like “u” instead of “you” might feel faster, but to Boomers, it can feel like you’re not putting in the effort to communicate properly. Grammar is more than a set of rules to them—it’s a way to show that you’re taking the conversation seriously.
Even small errors, like confusing “your” and “you’re,” can distract Boomers and make them focus more on your mistakes than your message. Taking the extra time to proofread your texts shows respect and helps avoid unnecessary irritation.
8. Sending Lengthy Voice Notes
Voice notes might be convenient for you, but for Boomers, they’re often a hassle. Unlike text messages, which they can read at their own pace, voice notes require them to pause what they’re doing and figure out how to listen. If they’re not tech-savvy, it can also be frustrating to figure out where the voice note saved or how to replay it.
If you have a lot to say, consider calling instead. Boomers often prefer live conversations for detailed exchanges. If you must send a voice note, keep it brief and to the point, so they don’t feel overwhelmed or annoyed by the extra effort required to engage with it.
9. Texting Instead Of Calling For Big News
To Boomers, texting feels too impersonal for sharing major life updates. Announcements like engagements, promotions, or big moves deserve a phone call, in their opinion. Receiving this kind of news via text can feel dismissive, as if the sender doesn’t value the relationship enough to make it more personal.
For big news, picking up the phone shows you care about their involvement in your life. Even a quick call can make a significant difference in how the news is received. Save texting for casual updates and use calls for the moments that matter most.
10. Using Too Many Slang Words
Slang evolves quickly, and Boomers often feel left behind trying to keep up. Words like “sus,” “slaps,” or “low-key” might make perfect sense to you, but they often confuse and annoy Boomers who don’t understand the context. To them, it can feel like you’re speaking a different language.
When texting Boomers, sticking to straightforward language helps avoid confusion and unnecessary explanations. If you use slang, be prepared to explain it or risk derailing the conversation entirely with follow-up questions about what you meant.
11. Sending Texts Without Context
A random “What’s up?” or “Guess what?” with no follow-up can leave Boomers feeling confused or even annoyed. They prefer clear, direct communication and might not have the patience to figure out what you’re hinting at or wait for more details.
Adding context to your messages eliminates unnecessary back-and-forth. Instead of “Guess what?” try, “Guess what? I just got a new job!” It’s a small adjustment that makes the conversation easier and more engaging for both of you.
12. Bombarding With Multiple Messages
Sending five separate texts instead of one cohesive message can feel chaotic to Boomers. They’re used to structured communication and prefer messages that are easy to follow. Rapid-fire texts often come across as overwhelming or disorganized.
Condensing your thoughts into one or two well-crafted messages makes the conversation smoother. It shows that you respect their time and helps avoid the frustration of sorting through a string of fragmented texts to piece together your point.
13. Ignoring Their Texts Completely
Boomers value acknowledgment, so not replying to their messages—or taking days to do so—can feel hurtful. Unlike younger generations, who often see delayed responses as normal, Boomers are more likely to interpret silence as being ignored or dismissed.
A quick “Got it” or “I’ll reply later” can go a long way in keeping the lines of communication open. For Boomers, it’s less about getting an immediate response and more about knowing their message wasn’t overlooked.
14. Using Cryptic Replies
Texts like “Maybe” or “We’ll see” can leave Boomers feeling frustrated and unsure where they stand. They appreciate clear and direct answers, especially when it comes to making plans or decisions. Cryptic replies often come across as evasive or dismissive.
Being upfront—even if it’s not what they want to hear—helps avoid unnecessary confusion. Whether you’re confirming plans or declining an invite, a straightforward response is always better than leaving them guessing.
15. Forgetting To Use A Greeting Or Sign-Off
Boomers often treat texts like mini letters, complete with greetings like “Hi!” and sign-offs like “Talk soon!” Jumping straight into your message or ending abruptly might feel rushed or impersonal to them. A simple “Hey” at the start can set a friendly tone, while a closing phrase like “Take care” wraps things up nicely.
Adding these small touches makes your texts feel warmer and more thoughtful, which Boomers tend to appreciate. It’s an easy way to show effort and maintain a positive connection, even in quick conversations.
This content was created by a real person with the assistance of AI.
