50 Awkward Text Messages That Got Screenshotted For The World To See

Mobile phones have made it easier than ever to communicate withfriends, family and even strangers. Statsshowthat around 958 million text messages are sent every hour worldwide, which relates to 8.4 trillion a year. In the days of writing letters, we took more time to think things through. And we had lots more time to read our messages before they ended up in the postbox. But in the age of instant gratification, and impulsiveness, the chances of our own cringe landing in someone else’s hands are far higher.If you’ve never regretted hitting “send”, consider yourself lucky. One studyfoundthat the average adult makes around 84 silly blunders a year, or more than one a week. The number one faux pas on the list was sending a text to thewrong person.But there are many other ways to stuff up with a dialing device in your hand. And to prove that point, we have compiled a hilarious list of awkward and embarrassing “text fails” that might make even the most ditzy person blush. If you need something to make yourself feel better about your own mistakes, keep scrolling! And don’t forget to upvote your favorites.This post may includeaffiliate links.

If you’ve never regretted hitting “send”, consider yourself lucky. One studyfoundthat the average adult makes around 84 silly blunders a year, or more than one a week. The number one faux pas on the list was sending a text to thewrong person.

But there are many other ways to stuff up with a dialing device in your hand. And to prove that point, we have compiled a hilarious list of awkward and embarrassing “text fails” that might make even the most ditzy person blush. If you need something to make yourself feel better about your own mistakes, keep scrolling! And don’t forget to upvote your favorites.

This post may includeaffiliate links.

Awkward text message misunderstanding about cars and movies with humorous reply, captured in a screenshot.

Awkward text message conversation with funny misunderstanding about “taking a bath” and “taken aback."

Awkward text exchange involving emojis and a playful misunderstanding over an accidentally sent message.

Scientistssaywe’re likely to have our first brush with embarrassment between the ages of 15 months and two years old. Or at least to be able to identify the feeling of being embarrassed. And unfortunately, it’s downhill after that. Whether we’re left red-faced from a clumsy fall in front of strangers, or forgetting a close friend’s birthday, there are bound to be a whole bunch of awkward and cringeworthy moments throughout our lives.Mobile phones haven’t made it easier. One U.K. survey of 2,000 adultsfoundthat younger generations are most likely to encounter misunderstandings, or to make mistakes on text messages or emails. More than half of those polled recently had previously sent a message to thewrong person. Among the most embarrassing things they said they’ve done were sending a kiss to their manager, arranging lunch with the wrong friend, or sending a “cheeky” message to an in-law instead of a partner.

Mobile phones haven’t made it easier. One U.K. survey of 2,000 adultsfoundthat younger generations are most likely to encounter misunderstandings, or to make mistakes on text messages or emails. More than half of those polled recently had previously sent a message to thewrong person. Among the most embarrassing things they said they’ve done were sending a kiss to their manager, arranging lunch with the wrong friend, or sending a “cheeky” message to an in-law instead of a partner.

Awkward text messages screenshot showing a humorous misunderstanding at a family event.

Awkward text message exchange discussing outfits with a humorous typo correction.

Awkward text message exchange with a humorous misunderstanding about selling a truck.

55% of respondents said they needed to follow up their text oremailblunder with further communication to clarify what they’d meant. The main culprits when it came to miscommunication over text were a misinterpretation of intent, a lack of tone or emotion, alack of contextor background info, ambiguous language or jargon, and the overuse of abbreviations.

Awkward text message exchange with confusion over location, highlighting misunderstandings and humor.

Awkward text message exchange on a dating app, revealing a humorous misunderstanding.

Awkward text exchange with a typo, leading to humorous confusion.

Those surveyed also shared some super cringe examples of how voice-to-text messaging had left them wanting to crawl into a hole and hide. “I was trying to ask (my) manager what ice cream flavor to get for the coffee morning and it autocorrected and asked her what flavor orgasm. It was awkward and embarrassing,” revealed one participant. While another added, “I said ‘you look great today’ and it said ‘you gained weight today.'”

Awkward text message exchange in a group chat, humorously exposing private conversation.

Awkward text messages screenshotted, featuring humorous conversation with emoji reactions.

Awkward text messages exchanged, with humorous misunderstanding about identity and a follow-up group project inquiry.

“We all love the speed and convenience of digital communication methods,” said Wendy Swash, COO of Moneypenny. “However, our survey shows the increased margin of error from texting rather than talking, and highlights the fact that we lose an important emotional understanding that comes with speaking to someone, and we can’t detect the same subtle nuances that come from a conversation.” Swash added that they’d urge people to pick up the phone when it comes to anything urgent, sensitive or complex.

Awkward text messages exchange about blocking and misunderstandings.

Awkward text message mix-up with a friend leading to unexpected humor.

Awkward text exchange showing a grandpa emoji on a phone screen, highlighting a humorous moment.

One therapist revealed how he avoids ending up in awkward situations because of his phone. Dr. Ari Sytner says he’s implemented something he calls “the slow send”. “Whenever I am sending a text, Tweet or email, I press my finger on the send button, but I do not let it go for a few seconds,“wroteSytner.“Often enough, during that brief moment of reviewing my message, I will notice an error in what I have said, or to whom I am saying it. Without lifting my finger, I can then slide it over to the side, which resets the send button and prevents the message from being sent, allowing me to correct it before it gets away from me.”

“Often enough, during that brief moment of reviewing my message, I will notice an error in what I have said, or to whom I am saying it. Without lifting my finger, I can then slide it over to the side, which resets the send button and prevents the message from being sent, allowing me to correct it before it gets away from me.”

Awkward text messages exchange with wrong number; includes humorous and candid selfie responses.

Awkward text message exchange between neighbors goes viral.

Awkward text message exchange revealing an accidental message sent to the wrong person.

While technology has made it easier to stuff up nowadays, it’s also made it easier to prevent embarrassing blunders. Nowadays, there are some apps you can use to avoid sending the wrong message. They delay everything you send. So that you can buy some time and hopefully realize the error in your ways.

Awkward text exchange about canceling a date, with a Snapchat image featuring an emoji over a person’s face in a car.

Awkward text message exchange about emotional intelligence and social status miscommunication.

Awkward text message exchange between a user and an army recruiter discussing accidental contact and past service.

If you don’t have access to those apps, or you don’t want them on your phone, there is another way to avoid that cringe message from getting to the recipient’s phone. But you have to be super fast. If the penny drops as you hit send, and you suddenly realize you’ve been an idiot, try this:Turn your phone to “Airplane Mode” as quickly as possible. It’ll cut the connection. And during that time, you can delete the message before turning your phone back to normal mode. This might or might not work, depending on how nimble your fingers are.

Turn your phone to “Airplane Mode” as quickly as possible. It’ll cut the connection. And during that time, you can delete the message before turning your phone back to normal mode. This might or might not work, depending on how nimble your fingers are.

Awkward text exchange between strangers, discussing an accidental message to a deceased person’s phone.

Awkward text messages about a dinner date unexpectedly becoming a group hangout.

Awkward text message exchange with someone reminding it’s their birthday.

Awkward text message exchange about the meaning of “sick” with emoji confusion and misunderstanding.

Awkward text message conversation with a humorous misunderstanding about a friend’s passing.

Awkward text message screenshot: Lizzie’s friend inquires about a breakup; sender blames their friend for sending the message.

Awkward text exchange about studying international relations, ending with confusion about the topic.

Awkward text message exchange with a humorous reply highlighting self-defeat and lack of confidence.

Awkward text messages exchange about an unexpected confession followed by a humorous excuse.

Awkward text messages from Grandma asking about cleaning rug stains appear on phone screen.

Awkward text exchange about social media involvement and communication expectations.

Awkward text message screenshot featuring a joke about antennas getting married.

Awkward text message conversation discussing lack of response, with a confused emoji included.

Awkward text conversation with typos, showing humorous misunderstanding and a correction about age.

Awkward text message exchange about a mistaken greeting, questioning if “Hey beautiful” was accidental.

Awkward text exchange with autocorrect mishap about video chat intentions.

Screenshotted awkward text conversation about an awful date and bad experiences.

Awkward text message about women’s representation accidentally sent to the wrong person.

Awkward text message conversation with a humorous confusion about a name pun.

Screenshot of awkward text messages revealing a breakup apology and a cookie butter question.

Awkward text message with a construction worker joke and confused reply.

Awkward text message saying “Oops sorry meant for someone else” with a screenshot.

Awkward text message exchange from Tinder about a date, discussing payment for drinks and asking for a refund.

Awkward text message exchange with a humorous misunderstanding, showcasing a conversation screenshot.

Awkward text message exchange about relationship status with humorous response and thumbs-up emojis.

Awkward text message screenshot: Adam from Ikea asking Natalie out for a movie, with an apology for being unprofessional.

Awkward text exchange: initial interest, denial, and confusion over an “I want you” message.

Awkward text message exchange about missing a car and needing cardio, ending with frustration and humor.

Awkward text message conversation with duplicated reply and humorous response.

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A Conversation I Had With My Cousin A Little While Ago Before A Family Dinner

I Didn’t Mean To Say Hi

Was at my boyfriend’s house earlier and his dad always creeps me out. He must have gotten my number from my boyfriend. This was so awkward I didn’t want to reply back, so I just left it. Told my boyfriend, and he’s all like yup, sounds like him.

My Bfs Creepy Dad