Technology market research company, the Radicati Group claims the average adult will receive 92 email messages per day this year.
KTRH's High Tech Texan Michael Garfield said if you're taking the time to send an e-mail, or text, you most likely want it read. That's why some use "read receipts". But, it's a two-way street because you can turn off those read receipts.
“Maybe it takes time for them to read it. Maybe they don’t want the sender to let them know that they’ve actually read it,” said Garfield. “If it’s immediate, I’m going to respond. If it’s from a family member, personally, either I’m going to respond to the e-mail, or I’m going to do something low-tech. I’m actually going to pick up the phone.”
Diane Gottsman is a national etiquette expert, author of Modern Etiquette for a Better Life, and founder of The Protocol School of Texas said we expect an immediate response, but can't assume that will happen.
“They might not even be reading their e-mails. Or, they might have a checklist,” said Gottsman.
She added we've become impatient.
“We should use our technology responsibly. And, I think that we should take a breath. Not everything is urgent,” said Gottsman.
E-mail isn’t the only read receipt out there. You can also tell if someone has read those sent texts on your smartphone, or in Facebook messenger.