Parents, Stop Killing the Vibe: A Gen Z Texting Intervention

Photo by Claudio Schwarz on Unsplash
Texting your parents can feel like navigating a linguistic minefield where every punctuation mark is a potential emotional landmine. Enter Jason Saperstone, the 22-year-old digital translator who’s here to save us all from generational communication chaos.
Saperstone, a New York City publicist, decided enough was enough and created a PowerPoint masterclass on texting etiquette specifically designed for his bewildered parents. His viral Instagram lesson centers on the sacred art of exclamation point usage - a grammatical weapon that apparently requires serious strategic deployment.
The Exclamation Point Rulebook
According to our texting guru, exclamation points are not just random enthusiasm markers. They have strict protocols:
- Agree with the sender
- Share a similar experience
- Demand attention when being ignored
When Saperstone casually mentioned hanging out with podcast host Alex Cooper, his mom’s excited exclamation point was a total texting faux pas. Pro tip: a simple thumbs up would’ve been the sophisticated response.
Generational Language Barriers
Gen Z has essentially created its own cryptic communication system that leaves older generations scratching their heads. Emojis? They’re not just cute graphics - they’re complex linguistic symbols. The skull emoji isn’t a morbid message; it means you’re laughing so hard you’ve metaphorically died.
The Internet Weighs In
Even celebrities like Reese Witherspoon couldn’t resist weighing in, admitting she’s been texting “incorrectly” for years. The internet erupted with relatable comments, proving that this texting guide isn’t just a niche concern - it’s a generational manifesto.
So parents, consider this your official wake-up call: it’s time to level up your texting game or risk being permanently lost in translation.
AUTHOR: kg
SOURCE: NBC Bay Area