The book How to Leave a Group Chat explores the prevalence of modern communication in the form of the ‘Group Chat’ and the unspoken rules about committing yourself to the said chat. Whether it’s acknowledging what someone wrote (Thank You thumbs up emoji for being my constant friend) or replying to the chat with your own thoughts and opinions, the chat becomes a constant pressure to acknowledge and interact.
The biggest angst many of us feel, is the crime of leaving the group chat, because of the societal feelings of obligation and the pressure to constantly be available. The book explores the importance of these interactions, and the commentary reminds us that it’s okay to take a break from a chat by either leaving or silencing it, so that we can balance our well-being.
There is a great insight from the author to respect the boundaries of others in group chats and clarify differences between a family chat, a work chat, or a social arrangement chat. It contains handy tips on how you can exit the chat without fears of anxiety or guilt, which can be especially hard because it can affect friendships or can be seen as rude by other members of the group.
The book resonated with me because, interestingly, when I looked at my own plethora of group chats on WhatsApp, Messenger and other platforms (why are there so many?), there were some that have become redundant. For instance, Sienna’s 13th Birthday party details (my daughter is now 18, so clearly there will be no more updates on that chat). I felt terrible exiting the group because it’s right there – written loud and clear – TEENA LEFT THE GROUP. I felt like a traitor, but as the author reminds the reader, we have a need to recognise when a chat has become unnecessary and that it is always appropriate to step away from group dynamics when it’s appropriate or support your own mental well-being.
By Teena Vescio, EA to the Chief Compliance Officer, Commonwealth Bank
