Struggling for Replies? Science Reveals Common Texting Mistake That Makes You Seem Too Intense
The Hidden Intensity in Your Texts: Why Punctuation Matters
(Image: A phone displaying "Best. Date. Ever." with exaggerated periods)
Imagine ending a first date and receiving a text: “Best. Date. Ever.” Even if the night went well, those extra periods might feel overwhelming. According to Binghamton University researchers, nonstandard punctuation—like adding full stops where they’re not needed—can amplify emotional intensity in texts. The same applies to breaking messages into single-word texts.
The Science of “Textisms”
In a recent study, two texting styles were analyzed:
- Nonstandard periods: Ending each word with a full stop (e.g., “Yuck. Get. An. Exterminator”).
- Visual presentation: Sending each word in its own text bubble.
Both styles made messages feel more
