iOS messaging update makes us re-think texting
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Every day, students use text messages to communicate with each other and stay connected. We’ve even referred to texting as the gateway to social media since it’s so popular among students and a great way to connect with one another.
Even though texting can seem more common these days than talking aloud, it still comes with some risks. One of the most common annoyances when it comes to texting are typos, sending a message you didn’t mean to send, or sending a message to the wrong person. However, the long-awaited Apple iOS 16 update is here to fix that and make texting easier.
What do the new iOS 16 updates mean for students?
With the new update, you will now have the ability to edit, undo, and delete text messages. Students can say goodbye to accidentally texting the wrong person or saying something they didn’t mean to.
With this new feature, they can alter the content they send to someone and take back something they said, all in just 15 minutes.
Wait, only 15 minutes?
That’s right. You can edit any text message you send up to five times, but you only have 15 minutes maximum to do so. You have even less time to delete a message: two minutes. According to Apple, this time limit was decreased after feedback that the feature being longer could be abused. Recipients of text messages will also get a notification after you edit or delete a message. They will also be able to see a history of the message before it was changed.
Other important features to note about this update are the ability to edit and undo messages is only available on Apple devices, and it works best if the person receiving your messages also has the latest version of iOS 16 installed.
How do I do it?
To find the newest Edit and Undo feature, follow the steps below:
- Download the latest version of iOS 16
- Open the Messages app and hold a message you just sent
- A box will then open with the option undo, send, or edit
TSI’s Take
This is an exciting update, especially for those of us who are prone to typos or sometimes sending before thinking. Even though iPhone users will soon be able to take back iMessages, it’s still a good idea to always think before you send to make sure what you are sending is accurate and reflects your true intentions.
Here at the Social Institute, one of our Seven Social Standards is playing to our core. This means reflecting our values, character, and interests in our actions online. When we play to our core, we are staying true to ourselves both online and offline.
You can empower students to play to their core today by coaching them to do the following when texting others:
- Know that the person receiving your message cannot see the expression on your face or tone of your voice.
- Remember that text conversations may feel private, but they can easily be shared if someone takes a screenshot of them.
- Try to never solve arguments over text. It’s always better to work things out face-to-face
If you want to learn more about how The Social Institute can empower your students to play to their core online and offline through our curriculum lessons and more, contact us today for a personalized demo.
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The Social Institute (TSI) is the leader in understanding student experiences and creator of #WinAtSocial, a gamified, online learning platform that equips students, educators, and families to navigate social experiences — online and offline — in healthy ways. Our unique, student-respected approach incorporates topics like social media, technology use, and current events that have a significant impact on student well-being. Lessons teach life skills for the modern day to inspire high-character decisions that support the health, happiness, and future success of students, while capturing data that provides insights to school leaders to inform school policy and communications, and enable high-impact teaching and a healthy learning environment. For schools, our turnkey technology allows for easy implementation and a comprehensive game plan to support the well-being of school communities. For schools, our turnkey technology allows for easy implementation and a comprehensive game plan to support the well-being of school communities.