3 Habits for WhatsApp and Email Communication

Here are three habits that ensure you respect people's privacy (GDPR) and don't inadvertently overload a person's inbox and phone.

#1 Do not add anyone to a WhatsApp group without asking their permission first.

#2 Always use 'BCC.' for email addresses, unless you have a very good reason to do differently

#3 Do not give a person's email address or phone number to someone else, without checking that they are willing for you to do it. Even if they know each other.

Reasons & alternatives:

#1 When you add someone to a WhatsApp group their number becomes visible to everyone to the group and anyone in that group can contact them directly. So you've given their personal number to everyone in that group without checking it's okay. Once they're in the group, they will receive the responses and comments of everyone in the group. Whilst there are ever-improving strategies on WhatsApp to help people manage and reduce these messages and notifications, a simple habit it to simple ask first. If you need to get a message out to loads of people and there's no reason to see other people's responses, just copy and paste it instead.

#2 Using BCC ensures that no one else sees people's address and no one else will be included in any 'reply all' actions. This ensures that you can are not giving away private email addresses (GDPR). But also (and this is relevant if people know each other and already have each other's addresses) you avoid people's inboxes being filled up with 'reply all' responses when they don't need to see the answer. Only use 'cc' or multiple addresses in the 'send to' line if people need to be able to read one another's responses.

#3 Giving email addresses and phone numbers out means that someone can make contact with another person at any time of day or night, and make their presence known whenever a phone is on or an email is open. It's like opening the door to a friend's house and inviting people in. Whilst there are various methods that can be used to quieten the interruptions, reduce the notifications and filter the emails, the kindest thing is not to create the need for that to be done. Don't give out someone else's number or email without checking.