I just saw my first Auto-Reply text message for someone that is driving. At first you may say, “Greg, that’s a good idea, because I hate seeing people text and drive!” And, I would agree with you. However, my first experience of the Auto-Reply Text was actually via a Facebook post. I’m sure it won’t be the last time I see it, and I can tell you right now that I’m already annoyed by it.
AT&T’s DriveMode AutoReply, or Sprint’s Drive First are a great ideas. While you are driving, and someone texts you, it will automatically send out a reply like this:
AT&T DriveMode AutoReply: Thanks for your msg. I’m driving and unable to reply. I will get back to you soon. When it comes to texting & driving, it can wait
Again, great idea, but the problem with texting these days is that it is no longer just a plain text. People have many of their social media resources connected to their text messaging platforms, and the lines get blurred on what’s a text versus a post versus a status update. So, the simple idea of auto replying to someone that you are driving, and are being safe, really isn’t something that you need to put as a Facebook reply, or Tweet.
I know that it is all easily fixed by going in and changing your Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Blogger, Tumblr, Instagram, etc., etc., accounts to ignore those autoreplies. But, that can be quite a task, and almost as annoying as the autoreply itself, or even as annoying as this Dale Earnhardt Jr. commercial’s “But, who sent the text??” portion.
Remember: Don’t text and drive!! I’m tired of having to honk at you when the light turns green!!