Why Group Messaging Sucks

Zach Kimmett

Problem Essay

Mr. Putnam

8/4/14

The Terrible Technological Snowball

Think about your cell phone. Your cell phone is a personal assistant in your pocket. When you need to talk to anyone at any time, the power to do so is at your fingertips. Being able to text a friend, in a situation where talking on the phone would be inappropriate, makes our cell phones nearly a necessity. A new feature in the last few years called “group messaging” allows cell phone users to create an open conversation between any contacts of their choosing. This ability to communicate with multiple people at the same time would be an even greater idea, right? Wrong! Group messaging, in my opinion, fails to include one of the most necessary features; the choice to opt-out. In the following paragraphs I will attempt to break down the current group messaging setup versus my recommended opt-out feature. Being unwillingly added to the group and notified at every move they make is not only unrealistic, it is unethical.

This morning, while going through my regular routine, I got the message that started it all. A buddy from high school sent the message, “Anyone want to go to Buffalo Wild Wings tonight?” I immediately checked the number of recipients; fifteen plus me. My heart dropped. With an open-ended question like that, no specific time given, discussion would undoubtedly ensue. I had been through the group message journey before and knew that a day of unwanted cell phone notifications was ahead. This time I was motivated to find a solution. I had to find a way to escape this text messaging trap.

The messages were pouring in and I had to act quickly before my battery was steadily drained and my inbox filled. I checked the settings, the internet and heck I even called Verizon. Nobody knew how to get these messages to stop coming in; that is without blocking the numbers altogether. My desire to avoid this conversation may seem unconventional to some,...