If you’re an iPhone user, you’re familiar with the three dots that signify someone is responding to a message.
The “typing awareness indicator” has been known to ignite feelings of stress, anxiety, suspense and excitement, depending on the subject matter.
There’s a science behind these texting bubbles and Slate recently conducted an experiment called “The Bubble Test” to see just how the indicator works
As can be seen in the below photo, the indicator remains on the screen for 60 seconds, regardless of whether you’re typing or not. After one minute, the bubbles disappear.
Long story short, if the indicator comes and goes, it’s because the person typing is taking longer than a minute to type.
A considered reply, you could say.
Image via Slate
So although you might think someone is taking ages to reply, they might just have abandoned the text. Way harsh.
