Navigating emotional turmoil of blue ticks and grey ticks

The pain of being “blue-ticked" and "grey-ticked" is a modern-day disarray in the world of online communication.

When the galling blue tick appears, it signifies that your message has been read and successfully ignored. Failure to respond leaves the sender in frustration and anticipation. This can be a source of emotional stress, as you wonder why the recipient chose not to respond, leaving your thoughts and feelings dismantled.

Similarly, the grey tick represents a different form of vexation. It signifies that the message has been seen and ignored. The momentary knowledge that the recipient is allegedly online or their device is active adds a layer of anticipation and impatience. One begins to wonder whether the message was sent to decorate the recipient's WhatsApp outfit.

In the realm of digital communication, the pain of these ticks reminds us of the intricate emotional nuances that technology has introduced into our lives.

Today's generation finds itself battling with the scorn of being ignored, leaving some glued on their phones awaiting the notification of relief to pop on their screens.

Amongst the youthful populace, particularly those involved in romantic relationships, these online indicators of message receipt and subsequent response cause significant tension.

Shania Akinyi, a young lady at Moi University, exasperated by the customary concept of blue/grey ticks, decided to share her story.

"I have a very annoying boyfriend. When I send him a text saying 'I love you,' he won't respond with those three words, and that makes me feel like I'm the sole operator in this relationship. Sometimes, I get so irritated that I delete the text, and then afterwards, he reacts, asking why I deleted it. You see, they know what they're doing," Shania lamented.

Shania's sentiments are an apparent indication of the emotional roller coaster that these ticks can trigger, where the absence of a timely response can lead to doubt and frustration, only to be followed by cryptic reactions that further intensify the digital age intricacies of love and communication.

It can be incredibly frustrating when someone seemingly disregards your messages with the infamous "blue tick." This implies that either they've read your notice but haven't interpreted it as intended, or they've consciously chosen not to respond, perhaps because they find your messages not worthy of reply.

"I lose interest when someone blue ticks me because I expect them to provide feedback promptly, and they delay. If they could just say they're busy or tied up, or they can't help at the moment or provide some explanation, then I wouldn't anxiously wait for their response like a desperate person," Stacy Achieng', another student, said.

However, some people argue that being ignored on social media platforms does not affect them that much because they have become habituated to the prevalent trend. In as much as others may portray blue/grey ticks as disdainful, they choose not to let the situation ruin their day.

"To me, the blue tick doesn't bother me much, I also blue-tick people sometimes. You find yourself in a chat with someone to the extent that you've reached the end of the conversation yet they continue with the conversation. In such a scenario you might as well just blue tick," Gideon Otii said.