HAVE YOU ever received a text message with no text?

Many people are giving up thumb typing in favor of recording voice messages in their text app. Many recipients find the practice irritating. We asked Lizzie Post, co-president of the Emily Post Institute, for her tips.

For the sender:
Consider context. If you’re driving and need to be hands-free, OK. If your message is too long for typing, maybe. But Post says voice notes shouldn’t be your go-to form of communication.

Give warning. Text your friend that you’ll be sending a voice message and explain why.

For the receiver:
Express your concerns. “If something has started to veer into annoying usage, I think it’s OK for us to say something,” Post advises. “It’s also OK to let someone know that a particular form of communication doesn’t work for you.” —Julie Goldenberg