Terminus

Ending conversations is always a bit awkward, whether it be in-person goodbyes, the “uh, are we done?” Zoom meeting closer, or wondering if an email chain needs a final “Thanks” acknowledgement.

Real-time text-based exchanges are particularly tough. Here’s my question: is an emoji response a sufficient message that “yes I got your message, I’m acknowledging that, but I’m not keen to talk further”? Is the vibe different if I send the emoji as a standalone response vs applying the emoji as a reaction to the last message I received?

Need some help from someone in the know, which probably means someone younger than myself.