Get all your news in one place.
100's of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Comment
Rhiannon Lucy Cosslett

Narcissistic, invasive, annoying? No way – the voice note is a lifeline

A young woman looks at her smartphone while drinking tea at in her kitchen.
‘My friend once sent a 15-part voice note detailing in instalments a nightmare visit from her in-laws.’ Photograph: FG Trade/Getty Images

What is it about the voice note that bothers so many people? I’ve seen it accused of all sorts – of being narcissistic, invasive, annoying – yet as a communication method, it continues to thrive. Having been a late adopter, I now send them all the time, usually while pushing my son around the city in his buggy (something that is impossible to do while texting).

Where once I felt annoyed when I received one, as though listening to another human being’s voice were simply too demanding, now I’m excited to hear what the person has to say, and how. Funny, sad, entertaining, long-winded, digressive, insightful; whatever their style, I can’t praise them enough.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.