By Andrew Hanna
Co-Managing Editor
Bro1: “Yo man, where’s Kev at?”
Bro2: “Idunno, he should have been here a while ago. Did he check the chat?”
Bro1: “Maybe he didn’t see it. Was it posted in the big chat? Or maybe in the math chat? What about in the team chat? Or the gym chat?”
Bro2: “Bro, we have way too many chats going on right now; I can’t even keep them all straight.”
A convenience or a distraction? A way to make plans or a tool to exclude? A technological breakthrough or a social double-edged sword? Regardless of your position, the group chat is here to stay and its popularity demands recognition.
Over the last few years, group chat use has risen dramatically. Accessible through mobile apps like iMessage, GroupMe, or Facebook Messenger, it is now easier than ever to simultaneously communicate with multiple people. Coordinating plans, organizing group projects, and talking amongst friends has never been more efficient.
However, advantages aside, group chats can breed some nasty implications. Primarily, group chats can create a sense of exclusivity among existing members. While advantageous for those included, those who are left out cannot help but feel a tinge of alienation. In a time when weekend plans are decided through group chats, non-members may miss out on social events or feel excluded from their perceived group of friends.
Additionally, group chats epitomize the negative and harmful attributes of today’s impersonal communication. Distanced by screens, language can be misunderstood and feelings can be hurt; this becomes intensified when 20+ people are included in the same conversation.
Furthermore, the group chat promotes attributes of the mob mentality. It is much easier for members to follow the group and gang up on a specific person when others are doing the same.
Lastly, group chats have become a modern alternative to the traditional clique. Certain social circles refer to themselves by the name of their group chat and can purposely exclude others from joining. In some cases, people will create an entirely new group just to single out a previous member.
Technology has modernized every aspect of society and communication is no exception. As group chats continue to grow in popularity it is imperative to use them appropriately and responsibly.
Co-Managing Editor
Bro1: “Yo man, where’s Kev at?”
Bro2: “Idunno, he should have been here a while ago. Did he check the chat?”
Bro1: “Maybe he didn’t see it. Was it posted in the big chat? Or maybe in the math chat? What about in the team chat? Or the gym chat?”
Bro2: “Bro, we have way too many chats going on right now; I can’t even keep them all straight.”
A convenience or a distraction? A way to make plans or a tool to exclude? A technological breakthrough or a social double-edged sword? Regardless of your position, the group chat is here to stay and its popularity demands recognition.
Over the last few years, group chat use has risen dramatically. Accessible through mobile apps like iMessage, GroupMe, or Facebook Messenger, it is now easier than ever to simultaneously communicate with multiple people. Coordinating plans, organizing group projects, and talking amongst friends has never been more efficient.
However, advantages aside, group chats can breed some nasty implications. Primarily, group chats can create a sense of exclusivity among existing members. While advantageous for those included, those who are left out cannot help but feel a tinge of alienation. In a time when weekend plans are decided through group chats, non-members may miss out on social events or feel excluded from their perceived group of friends.
Additionally, group chats epitomize the negative and harmful attributes of today’s impersonal communication. Distanced by screens, language can be misunderstood and feelings can be hurt; this becomes intensified when 20+ people are included in the same conversation.
Furthermore, the group chat promotes attributes of the mob mentality. It is much easier for members to follow the group and gang up on a specific person when others are doing the same.
Lastly, group chats have become a modern alternative to the traditional clique. Certain social circles refer to themselves by the name of their group chat and can purposely exclude others from joining. In some cases, people will create an entirely new group just to single out a previous member.
Technology has modernized every aspect of society and communication is no exception. As group chats continue to grow in popularity it is imperative to use them appropriately and responsibly.