In today’s digital age, sending messages quickly and without much thought is very easy. That being said, it is also very easy to regret certain messages we have sent almost as soon as they leave our fingertips. Most messaging platforms give you a few minutes to unsend messages, but is it weird to take advantage of this?
Short answer, unsending a message may or may not be weird, depending on the context. While some may think it was an accidental send, or you fixed a typo, or want to change the message, others may not be as understanding if there’s a sensitive issue at hand. The key lies in understanding the context.
There are mixed opinions on whether or not unsending a message is okay. Some say that it can be seen as rude and insincere, while some argue that there’s nothing wrong with taking back a message if you’ve changed your mind about it. So stick around as I delve deeper into the topic.
4 Reasons It Can Be Seen As Weird To Unsend A Message
1. The Receiver Might Feel Untrusted
This happens often when you’ve told someone about an issue, whether a personal issue or something about someone else and then you take back your words.
That can make them feel as though you don’t trust them with the information. While your intention of deleting the message is, so it doesn’t get compromised, the receiver may not see it that way.
2. It Makes You Look Unreliable
Similarly, when you unsend a message that was meant for someone else, it can make them feel as though you’re unreliable.
That’s because they may feel you could mistakenly send important information to someone else, which could put them in a compromising situation.
3. You Can Look Insincere
A classic example is when you have sent an apology message, then after the person accepts the apology, you unsend it.
This may make the person feel as if you weren’t really sorry for what happened and that your apology was insincere.
4. It Could Come Off As Passive-Aggressive
Unsending a message could also send off the wrong impression that you’re trying to be passive-aggressive.
This might happen when, for example, you send someone a message and then unsend it right after they read it.
This could make them think that you sent the message out of anger and then unsend it when you had cooled down.
When Is It Acceptable To Unsend A Message
1. You Realize You Made A Mistake
If you sent a message with the wrong information or made an embarrassing typo, then it can be okay to unsend the message.
It will not be weird if you correct the typo and resend the message immediately after unsending the original one.
2. You Want To Change The Message
If you realized that maybe the message wasn’t going to come off as intended, it might be best to delete it and rewrite it in a better way.
3. You Don’t Want To Compromise Someone’s Privacy
If you sent something that could compromise someone else’s privacy or integrity, then it can be okay to unsend it, provided you tell the receiver that’s what you intend to do.
This way, the receiver won’t be caught off guard when they realize the message has disappeared.
4. It Was An Accidental Send
It happens to all of us when our fingers slip, and we end up sending the message before we could think through it. In this case, you can simply apologize and unsend the message before it causes any damage.
5. You Don’t Want To Keep It In The Chat
Sometimes, you might want to delete a message that has been in the chat for a while because it can be inappropriate or just plain annoying.
It’s alright to take it back. But know the receiver(s) may have already taken screenshots of the message before you took it back.
6. You Want To Maintain Professionalism
If you sent a message that didn’t quite fit the tone of your professional relationship, then it’s better to unsend and rewrite the message. This way, you can maintain professionalism while still being friendly enough to keep up a good rapport.
7. To Avoid Misunderstandings
Unsending a message is a good way to avoid misunderstandings in certain situations. This can be especially helpful if you think the receiver might misinterpret your words.
8. To Take Back Sensitive Information
If you accidentally sent information that shouldn’t be shared, then it’s best to take back the message as soon as possible. This can be a good way to protect someone else’s privacy or maybe even your own.
What To Do If You Unsend A Message
1. Apologize Immediately
If you unsend a message, the best thing to do is to apologize right away. This way, the receiver doesn’t feel like you didn’t mean to say what was in the message or that they did something wrong.
2. Explain The Reason For Unsending
It’s important to let the receiver know why you decided to unsend the message. This way, they will understand your intentions and won’t be left feeling confused or frustrated.
3. Rewrite The Message If Needed
If you unsent a message because you thought maybe it didn’t come off as intended, then it’s best to rewrite and resend the message.
4. Offer To Discuss The Issue Further
If you unsent a message because it contained sensitive information, then it’s best to offer to discuss the issue further if the receiver needs more information.
This will help them feel more secure and better understand why you chose to unsend the message.
5. Reassure The Receiver
Finally, it’s important to reassure the receiver (if possible) that your intentions were not malicious. This way, they won’t think you are trying to hide something or deceive them in any way.
Final Thoughts
Unsending a message can be an appropriate action in certain situations, especially if it helps protect someone’s privacy or help avoid miscommunication. However, it should be done thoughtfully and with respect for the receiver.
As discussed above, there are instances when it’s okay to unsend a message. But remember, it can also be considered rude or inappropriate if not done carefully – so always make sure you think about the consequences before sending or deleting anything.
Ultimately, the decision to unsend a message is a personal one and depends on the context. It’s up to each individual to decide when it’s the right thing to do.
