However, if just a few simple rules were followed, group chat life would be better for everyone.

After decades of group chat experience, Id like to propose a few basics.

Think before you postRemember, your post could be going to dozens of people.

Group Chat on a smartphone.

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Do they all need to know about the one memory you shared with that one person?

Sometimes, you might send a direct message, even if its related to the group chat.

There are times when everyone needs to be involved in the discussion and times when they dont.

Group chat reply.

The reply feature is there—make use of it. David Nield / Gizmodo

Read and replyGroup chats can be difficult to track, but read whats come before to avoid needless repetition.

On WhatsApp, long-press on a message, then tap the reply arrow that appears.

That gives you (and the other admins) more control over whos involved.

Group Chat Permissions

You can set what other people can do in your groups.David Nield / Gizmodo

Use mute sparinglyMuting group chats are often necessary to maintain your sanity during specific conversations.

While mute is helpful and can prevent repeated phone dings, its important to use it responsibly.

It would be best if you tried to catch up on everything you missed while the chat was muted.

A promotional image of Explode that states ‘Make Your Texts Explode’

Turning up three days later and saying, What have I missed?

means everyone else must sit through a barrage of repeated information.

Stay on topicYou would think this goes without saying, but it doesnt.

Actor Johnny Depp attends the press conference of ‘Modi, Three days on the Wing of Madness’ at Real Alcazar on November 09, 2024 in Seville, Spain.

With some group conversations, the rest of the people involved might not even notice that youre gone.

News from the future, delivered to your present.

Donald Trump addresses the crowd during an election night party at the Palm Beach County Convention Center in West Palm Beach, Florida on November 6, 2024.

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U.S. President Donald Trump speaks to the media during a guided tour of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts before leading a board meeting on March 17, 2025 in Washington, DC.

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Alicia Witt in Urban Legend

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U.S. President Donald Trump speaks to the media during a guided tour of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts before leading a board meeting on March 17, 2025 in Washington, DC.

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