12 Technology Pet Peeves

Pet Peeve: Definition

A pet peeve is something that is annoying. It is a minor annoyance that an individual finds particularly irritating to a greater degree than the norm. Most people have pet peeves in different categories. I have some myself. Instead of listing all my pet peeves, here is my list of only my technology pet peeves. Perhaps some of them are also your pet peeves.

1. Reply-all abuse

Reply-all abuse is when someone responds to a 50-person email thread with “Thanks!” and suddenly your inbox becomes a group chat you never asked for because everyone is replying to all. Know that you can reply to the sender only and not to all 50 people who received the same email.

2. People who don’t use BCC

Everyone has everyone else’s email and their email address because you sent the email to 50 people without using the blind carbon copy (bcc) feature to prevent everyone from seeing everyone's name and email address.

3. Caps lock screaming

It is like yelling when you type emails in all capital letters. You make the recipients feel like they are BEING YELLED AT. Refrain from using the caps lock feature. Instead, talk softly with upper and lower case letters.

4. Autocorrect betrayal

You meant to type "form," and the autocorrect replaced it with "from." You let it go because you trust the computer more than you trust your own spelling. Besides, Grammarly would have caught the mistake. Install the free app.

5. Unmuted Zoom chaos

When people do not use the mute feature, people hear dogs barking, pots clanging, someone yelling, “I CAN’T FIND MY SHOES!” Mute is a free gift. It is there for a reason. Use it.

6. Notifications that never sleep

You post one article, and suddenly your phone sounds like a slot machine. Use your "Do Not Disturb" settings. It is a valuable feature. Use it.

7. Overuse of emojis in serious emails

Be mindful of the emojis you use. Know the meaning of the emojis before you insert them. “Looking forward to your father's funeral service 😃💀🙏” Context matters.

8. People who don’t check before forwarding

You get a chain email dated 2003 warning about a virus that turns your microwave into a spy. Fact-check before you panic. It's 2025, not 2003. Ignore outdated chain email and do not forward them. In fact, ignore all chain letters.

9. Tech support that speaks in riddles

“Just clear your cache, update your DNS, and reroute your IP.” Translation: You’re on your own.

10. Cross-platform confusion

You send a text. The recipient replies by email. You send an email. The recipient responds by text. It’s like playing digital ping-pong with no net and no rules. Respond in the same platform in which you were notified.

11. Not getting a response

You spend time constructing the perfect email. Then you wait, and wait, and wait for a response. No “Amen,” no “Got it,” not even a “Bless your heart.”

12. Untimely responses

When I don't get a response in a timely manner, I think the email or text went to computer heaven. It is like talking to someone in person who doesn't answer. When the response comes three weeks later, the company picnic is over, and the application deadline for a higher-paid job has closed. You missed out because of your late response.

If any technology pet peeves are missing, feel free to share yours.