17 Good Manners That May Be More Annoying Than You Think

4. Replying “Thanks” to a Group Email

You might think it’s polite to hit “reply all” with a “thanks” when included in a group email. However, most people get overwhelmed by the volume of emails they receive daily. “Reply all” should be reserved for important updates relevant to everyone. Boyd notes, “When people reply with just ‘thanks,’ it clutters everyone’s inbox with messages that don’t add value and make it hard to find useful information.”

Do this instead: To acknowledge receipt of an email, reply only to the sender directly. This helps keep everyone’s inbox manageable and ensures that your response reaches the intended recipient.

5. Tagging People on Social Media

Tagging people in social media posts seems like a friendly gesture, but it may not always be appreciated. Boyd points out that people have varying comfort levels with online visibility and privacy. Tagging can sometimes lead to unwanted attention or comments and may not always be welcomed.

Do this instead: Ask for permission before tagging someone in a post. Respect their choice, and adjust your social media settings to review tags before they appear on your profile.