
Seeing the "typing…" indicator in a messaging app changes how people react before a message even arrives. Many people begin guessing what the other person is about to say, especially during serious conversations.
If the typing indicator disappears without a message being sent, curiosity and uncertainty often increase even more. Researchers describe this as anticipation created by incomplete information. A few animated dots can trigger surprisingly strong emotions. Sometimes, waiting is more stressful than the reply itself.
© Computers in Human Behavior