Our modern world has gifted us with plentiful means of communication. Whether you prefer Facetime, texting or dearly miss the app HouseParty, we have more ways to keep in touch than ever before. But new ways to communicate come with new etiquette to follow. To voice note or not to voice note is the question on VALLEY’s mind. While it saves our thumbs from the tyranny of texting, voice notes probably benefit you more than the recipient who’s now crouched in the corner holding their phone to their ear. But no need to go down an anxiety spiral of whether your friends hate your voice notes, VALLEY is here to guide you!
Where Are You?
Where you are is a major factor in whether it is necessary to send a voice note. Are you in a busy restaurant or a crowded party? Then your friend will barely be able to hear you. On top of that, you’re probably yelling making it such a painful listening experience that there is only a slight possibility your friend listened all the way through. If you really want to send the voice note, step outside!
Catching Up
Sometimes catching up just doesn’t hit the same over text. The voice of the person you miss can make all the difference in feeling connected. If someone you miss pops into your head VALLEY is sure they would love a voice note letting them know you’re thinking of them with a little life update so they feel in the loop. This is especially useful when you know the person you’re contacting is busy and won’t be able to call or Facetime.
Debrief
We all know the feeling. You wake up, eyes crusted with mascara, maybe you’re wearing a mysterious t-shirt and the first thing that pops into your head is; I have to call my friends. The morning after the debrief is sacred in college. We all know it hits harder in person but if that’s unattainable the next step should be Facetime. Then if you can’t get them on Facetime, resort to the voice note. This way they can still hear the story in your voice and can laugh along.
Length
Before recording a voice note ask yourself, could this be a text? If you’re leaning towards yes just send the text. You have to weigh your convenience vs your recipients. If it’s easier for you to send a voice note in response to a text but all you have to say is “Yes, that’s good for me,” or “What about Tuesday,” do not send it. Just wait until you can text. And if your voice note starts approaching the 5-minute mark, please just wait until they can talk over call or Facetime. You may think this is easier but your friend has probably stopped listening.
Whether you love them or hate them, voice notes have officially infiltrated all of our messages.
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