Why ‘k’ is the most hated text message, according to science

A recent study confirmed that sending a single "K" in a text message can have a profoundly negative impact on the recipient. This brief response can signal emotional distance, passive-aggressiveness, or disinterest, and can even shut down a conversation. Adding an extra letter, such as "kk", can soften the tone, while variants like "ok" or "okay" are seen as more formal or neutral. The study highlights the importance of understanding the nuances of digital communication, where non-verbal cues like tone and facial expressions are absent. Generational differences can also impact how texts are sent and received. Misinterpretation of texts can even be relationship killers, research has found. Some individuals use the "K" strategically to convey a sense of detachment, while others see it as a convenient way to respond without wasting words. Other anxiety-inducing replies include "he's busy", "thumbs up", and "we need to talk". The study underscores the need to be mindful of the emotional weight of our responses in digital conversations.