People reply less and less these days

[AliceAbsolum]

Mostly to whatsapps because that's how I communicate with most people.

They either take weeks to respond, or just don't bother at all.

Maybe it's me! I just feel like people want to be less and less social. Definitely since covid, but I've noticed a further shift in the last 8-12 months.

Makes me sad really.

An old friend called me unexpectedly the other day. It was absolutely lovely. I didn’t think something was wrong. I thought someone I cared about and enjoy talking to had called me, and I was happy about it. If it hadn’t been a good time, I would have just told her and we could have rescheduled. I know everyone seems to shudder with horror now at the idea of actually picking up a phone and talking to a human being, but personally I wish people did it more often.

I am someone who rings people too (only a handful though).

I’m in a couple of minds about this. It’s not great to be at the beck and call of WhatsApp but I’d be surprised if many messages need an instant response.

On the other hand, at some point it becomes rude to not reply to someone who has got in touch. Set aside 20 minutes every couple of days to respond.

I’ve noticed that a few people have started taking a break from contacting people for their mental health. The upside is that people know they won’t reply. The downside is that it sounds quite precious - it sounds terrible to tell people who like you that your contact is bad for their mental health.

Social media fatigue. I hate it when people message me all the time. Having to reply to ten different people a day is very time consuming and boring. Especially if you’ve been on a screen at work all day. If people want to chat, I’m happy to meet up, but I don’t want to spend time on a screen texting.

So if someone messages you to say “Hi! Are you free to meet for a coffee on Saturday at 10am?” do you reply right away or do you leave them hanging?

Cru I have a few friends they will reply about meeting up. But reading posts on here people must never meet anyone! I do feel nobody replies now these days.. puts me off planning things

For fellow voice note haters, the Transcribe feature is your friend!

On the back of this thread, I messaged a friend I haven’t seen for a while and now we are meeting up tomorrow for a coffee.

Agree OP - and then complain later that they have no friends.

God forbid you should be contacted by people you apparently like!

Cru thats great. Yes people need to make an effort. I met a few friends in May it was great. It drifts off if we dont meet

If it’s a message about specific arrangements like this, then I would usually reply same day (though not necessarily straight away if I’m at work, on my out, with company, or otherwise busy).

However, if it’s a longer text, and not relating to any specific plans, then I might take longer to reply.

That's sad.