According to the university, email is Auburn's official communication channel. But for many students, their primary group communication tool is probably GroupMe.

If I had to guess, you’re a member of a few GroupMes. Maybe some for your more challenging classes, others for organizations you’re involved with, or even some strictly for pictures of adorable animals to boost morale. As any GroupMe user knows, these messages often get out of hand. Avoid annoying your groups by following these tips for proper GroupMe etiquette.

For the Friend GroupMe

If a GroupMe just consists of you and several close friends, you’re in luck - there are no rules. Let loose, be savage, and enjoy the conversation. Just remember, once a post is out there, you can't take it back. So be careful.

For the Class GroupMe

If a GroupMe is for class, it should stay about the class exclusively. Talk about homework, the lecture, studying, whatever — as long as it’s class related. Wanna hold a convo? Wanna promote a benefit night every time your organization hosts one? Wanna convince everyone to vote for your candidate during campaign week? Sorry, this is not the place.

For the Organization GroupMe

Organization GroupMes are often more laid-back than class GroupMes, and that’s okay. If that’s the direction it’s going, embrace it. But don’t post too frequently or about anything that’s simply unnecessary or irrelevant. Even though there’s a screen between you and others, you can still embarrass yourself. Remember the purpose of the group chat. If it was created specifically for organization-based content, don't be the person who strikes up random conversations. If you can’t contain yourself, make another group message meant for chatting.

For the Auburn Dogspotting GroupMe:

If you’re in this 2,000+ person GroupMe, the message is simple: posts about dogs only. Yes, that’s it. Nothing else. If you stray and post anything else, you will quickly be removed from the group. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.

Over all, here are a few things to keep in mind:

1. Everything — and I mean everything — you say in a GroupMe can be screenshotted. In fact, post everything with that in mind. You don’t want to get in serious trouble because you admit to cheating, doing something illegal, or even gossiping about a friend in casual conversation.
2. Don’t over-post. As someone who could talk to a wall, I know it’s tempting. I know you want to. But if the conversation in a 100+ person group is mostly highlighted light blue with messages from you, maybe it’s time to take a step back.
3. Know your audience. Certain messages you might send in one GroupMe are probably inappropriate or annoying in another.
4. GroupMes are not the place for promotion. I’m sorry to break it to you. No matter what a campaign manager or public relations chair might say, I have never voted for a candidate or opted to eat dinner at a restaurant having a benefit night because of a GroupMe post. My social media has already been blown up with these messages, and I don’t need them in 17 different GroupMes. You know what’s a better approach? Messaging people individually. They might actually listen that way and will appreciate you taking the time to speak to them personally instead of clumping them with a group.

When it comes to GroupMe, just use common sense. If you have to ask yourself, “Should I really post this?”, you probably shouldn’t.

Apply these standards to your GroupMe communication, and others will be glad you did. Want to add your own rules to our list? Leave them in the comments below or tag us on social @AuburnCampusRec!

Be well, Auburn.

Photography: Cat S.