Tips for Texting People From Every Generation

Key takeaways

• Boomers often prefer texts with full sentences, punctuation and polite wording.
• Gen X adapts easily between formal and casual texting styles across age groups.
• Millennials and Gen Z may read periods and overly formal texts differently.

Summary

Texting etiquette varies across generations, and understanding those differences can help prevent confusion and keep conversations friendly. Ed Baig explains how boomers, Gen X, millennials and Gen Z each bring different expectations to digital communication, from punctuation and capitalization to tone and brevity.

For boomers, clear and polite messages are often appreciated. Gen X tends to balance formal and casual styles depending on the audience. Millennials generally value a friendly tone and may perceive perfectly punctuated texts as cold, while Gen Z often favors short, streamlined messages with minimal punctuation. Adjusting your approach can help messages land as intended.

The key takeaways and summary were created with the assistance of generative AI. An AARP editor reviewed and refined the content for accuracy and clarity.

Full transcript

[0:00:00] Did you ever think that putting a period at the end of a sentence

[0:00:03] could come across as aggressive or cold?

[0:00:05] Well, it can, because every generation plays by slightly different rules

[0:00:10] when it comes to texting etiquette.

[0:00:12] So here’s some tips for texting people from every generation.

[0:00:16] Let’s start with the boomers and work our way down.

[0:00:20] Boomers are the last generation to grow up without any digital communication at

all.

[0:00:24] So when you’re texting with most boomers, here’s the key: Keep it proper.

[0:00:29] Use capitalization, punctuation and full sentences, and lean into

[0:00:35] politeness like this: “Hi there,

[0:00:39] I’m running a little late.

[0:00:40] I’ll be there by noon.

[0:00:42] Looking forward to seeing you.” It might take a few extra seconds,

[0:00:47] but it goes a long way in keeping things clear and respectful.

[0:00:51] Next up, Gen X. They remember life before texting, but adopted it as young adults.

[0:00:56] Think of Gen X as kind of bilingual.

[0:00:59] They can have a polished, proper exchange with boomers and then switch to a

more

[0:01:02] relaxed, casual style with younger people.

[0:01:05] Here’s an example.

[0:01:07] “Hey, running late. Be there at noon. Sorry.” There aren’t

[0:01:12] a ton of strict rules here.

[0:01:14] Just know Gen Xers might not jump on every new texting trend or abbreviation.

[0:01:19] They’ve lived through too many tech waves to frankly chase them all.

[0:01:23] And like the boomers, if you use all caps, they will assume you’re shouting at

them.

[0:01:29] Now millennials.

[0:01:31] Millennials didn’t grow up texting right away, but they did

[0:01:34] grow up on instant messaging.

[0:01:36] By the time texting became the norm, they already knew how to chat digitally.

[0:01:40] With millennials, you can be more casual, but still friendly.

[0:01:45] Tone matters.

[0:01:46] A message that’s too short or too perfectly punctuated can

[0:01:49] come across as a little cold.

[0:01:51] Millennials, and those who are even younger, are the ones that

[0:01:55] don’t appreciate the period at the end of the sentence.

[0:01:59] To them, it feels passive-aggressive or annoyed.

[0:02:02] A message from them might be more like, “So sorry I’m late. I’ll be

[0:02:06] there at noon.” Sweat-smile emoji.

[0:02:09] Finally, Gen Z. By the time they had phones, they already knew the rules,

[0:02:14] and now they’re rewriting them.

[0:02:16] Grammar, optional.

[0:02:19] Punctuation, use sparingly.

[0:02:22] Formal greetings, don’t even bother.

[0:02:24] Here’s what your Gen Z message will look like.

[0:02:27] “Late. Be there at 12.” When you get a message like this, don’t panic.

[0:02:31] They’re not mad.

[0:02:32] That’s just how they communicate.

[0:02:34] If you want to avoid confusion or hurt feelings, just adjust your

[0:02:38] style a little, because sometimes it’s not the message, it’s the darn

[0:02:43] period at the end of the sentence.

[0:02:46] For more tech advice, go to aarp.org/TechGuru