Gen Z texting

May 14, 2024

There’s a new theory making the rounds on TikTok all about generational texting. The claim is that your texting technique is a solid tell for your age. So, how does Gen Z text? Is it with … A.) One thumb, C.) Two thumbs, C.) Two thumbs and an index finger, or D.) An index finger?

The answer: A.) One thumb 👍 is the classic Gen Z — aka “Zoomer” — texting technique. Two-thumb texting is a millennial thing. And older adults include the index finger when texting, either along with their thumbs or solo.

Tags: claim, classic, Gen Z, older adults, text, texting, TikTok

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The new Komando Reddit page: Find it here. I’m not sure who set it up, but it’s a nice spot to share tech intel, helpful info you read in my newsletter and anything else you want to share. I’d like each of you to make one post in this new subreddit today. Before you say, “I don’t do Reddit, Kim,” just try it. Let’s make it huge together!

The first mistake: A children’s jewelry maker promoted its products using photos of a 5-year-old girl on Instagram. Guess what? The ad mainly reached adult men. The New York Times (paywall link) repeated the test, attracting convicted sex offenders and solicitations. IG’s blaming the algorithm again.

50,000 trips a week

For Waymo driverless taxis. That’s across Phoenix, San Francisco and Los Angeles, where the robotaxis operate 24/7. I’m still not ready to hop in one.

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Buh-bye, Temu poo-poo: Will we start seeing fewer ads for Temu? You betcha! Temu has peaked in the U.S. (WSJ, paywall link) and doesn’t want to turn into another TikTok by getting banned, so it’s moving on to selling cheap junk in other countries now.

Apple + Google: The latest updates (iOS 17.5 and Android 6.0) let iPhones and Android devices know if any Bluetooth tracker is “found moving with you,” not just AirTags. You can make the tracker play a sound so it’s easier to find or disable it altogether — finally.

298 miles per hour

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