I can’t reply to every comment I get online. I can’t congratulate every friend on every LinkedIn update. These days, I sometimes can’t even answer every WhatsApp message.
But I can hit the button. I can like, clap, celebrate, heart, thumbs-up, or send any of the hundreds of possible emoji-reactions to a kind word, an awesome achievement, or a noteworthy statement.
Occasionally, I worry that an emoji-reaction is not enough. But personally, I find it refreshing to receive them. It’s nice to know there are no further words needed. Like a quiet nod among two people who aren’t in the same room. “Got it.” Or, “You’ve got this.” Conversation settled. Both clear to move on.
If I’m relieved to not get yet another message expecting a response, I’m sure others must feel the same. So I emoji-react and watch what happens. If more words are needed, I’ll certainly hear them sooner or later.
In a world that’s brimming with too much noise, silent acknowledgement isn’t just a remedy. It may actually stand out above the buzz.