To think you can't use an exclamation mark in these circumstances

[hippoherostandinghere]

Twice today I have seen a headline on a Facebook news page about a fatal accident. The first one said 'so sad!' And the second one said 'just heartbreaking!'

AIBU to think an exclamation mark shouldn't really be used in this when when the subject is very sad? It seems the exclamation mark is taking over the world.

If you use an explanation mark to express a strong emotion, then it's a valid use of one.

If you think its just for excitement, then you would consider it wrong.

Of course it's being incorrectly used.

really, I have seen much worse exclamation mark abuse than this
while I wouldn't use it myself I don't think it's inappropriate

Correct usage. If they are exclaiming something, they can use an exclamation mark.

An exclamation point indicates you're exclaiming something. I don't think that thing has to be positive.

It’s not as if it was preceded by ‘OMG lol’.

They’re exclaiming, therefore using an exclamation mark, just as they would use a question mark if asking a question.

Did you think an exclamation mark only indicated happy excitement or something?

I think it's a valid use. The have exclaimed. So they used an exclamation mark.

The punctuation is fine.

It’s probably the triteness and rubbernecking that’s grating on you.

No - I know what an exclamation mark is for but it just doesn't sit right with me at all. There is nothing wrong with 'so sad' as a headline. I just don't think it needs a !

metro.co.uk/2015/05/06/10-simple-rules-to-follow-when-using-and-not-using-exclamation-marks-5182251/

For those of you who don't know how to use exclamation marks.

and number 8 is very relevant

I agree, a celebrity I follow on Twitter has used them quite often when saying RIP to someone who has died. It's a bit jarring.

It's an exclamation mark...

Yabu.

Although I wouldn't use it myself tbh I'd go for a more reserved approach.

I hate this too. Yes, while it’s perfectly grammatically correct to use them in any situation where there is an exclamation, generally now they are more commonly used to denote exclamations of humour or surprise and as such they are disrespectful in sad circumstances. They don’t scan well and to me they are poor writing. Sorry - English teacher in me!!

I think exclamation marks come across as cheery and informal and therefore shouldn't be used when someone has died. I cringe when I see 'Rip sweet angel!' or similar. It's like the poster is excited a child has died

I probably wouldn't use them in those circumstances. It feels like you are trying to make it more dramatic, when clearly what has happened is devastating.

I find using emojis for when people have died insensitive as well. I've seen people just put 😢💔 when a child has died and I always think it seems wrong. I think maybe that shows my age though,nearly 40, it seems to be perfectly acceptable amongst younger people.

Yes,for some reason,I always think that the use of an exclamation mark when it's describing something very sad or serious is just wrong.

It's a bit disrespectful. Something tragic should not be a gossip party

I think it’s wrong too , doesn’t sit well with me.

Your lack of exclamation marks offends me!

I think it is fine. My stepdad died suddenly and tragically two weeks ago. His death was on several local Facebook pages including the police one. I would be fine with those statements including the exclamation marks.

Thank you for that article, it sums it up perfectly for me. I just don't get why you have to exclaim someone's death. Yes, ok report it. But there's a time and a place for exclaiming things and death isn't one of them.