Эксперт предупредила о зависимости от создания групп в WhatsApp и предложила пять правил

5 rules to follow before creating another WhatsApp group Updated | By East Coast Breakfast Thinking of creating another WhatsApp group? Think again... “I know, I know… another WhatsApp group, but…” Stop. Put the phone down. Step away from the “Create Group” button. Because according to Carmen Reddy, we need to have a serious conversation about our WhatsApp group addiction. At some point, we stopped creating WhatsApp groups because we needed them and started creating them because… well, someone suggested it. Birthday coming up? New group. Weekend away? New group. Work project? New group. School parents? New group. Braai? New group. Someone’s moving house? You guessed it. New. WhatsApp. Group. And before long, your phone is vibrating every 14 seconds while 47 people debate what time they’re meeting for something that isn’t happening for another three weeks. ALSO READ: The unofficial rules of Community WhatsApp Groups So, before you create yet another group, Carmen has some rules. Ask yourself: What will this WhatsApp group actually solve? This is the first and most important question. What problem are you solving? If the answer is: “Well… we need somewhere to talk.” You probably already have one. A new WhatsApp group should have a clear purpose. If you can’t explain what the group is for in one sentence, perhaps it doesn’t need to exist. Before you gather 23 people and immediately subject them to “Morning everyone”, think. Will this group actually make communication easier? Or are you simply creating another place for people to ignore messages? If everyone is already talking somewhere else, you probably don’t need another group This one is for the admins. If everyone you’re planning to add to your shiny new WhatsApp group is already in another group where they’re having the exact same conversation… Why are we here? Do we really need: “Family” AND “Extended Family” AND “Family Family” AND“Family Updates 2026”? What happens in one group can usually stay in one group. Before creating a new one, check whether the existing group already solves the problem. Every new group increases your chances of sending the wrong message to the wrong audience This is where things get dangerous. You’ve got 12 WhatsApp groups open. You think you’re sending your boss: “I genuinely cannot do this meeting today.” Except… You sent it to “Family Braai 2026.” Congratulations. Now your aunt knows you’re avoiding work, your cousin wants to know what meeting you’re talking about and your mother has sent you a private message asking if everything is okay. And suddenly? You’ve created a problem, which probably requires another WhatsApp group. And the cycle continues. When a group dies naturally, allow it to rest peacefully Not every WhatsApp group needs a second season. Some groups have simply served their purpose. The holiday is over. The wedding happened. The school event is finished. The tournament is done. The braai was braaied. Let it go. Do not resurrect it six months later because you suddenly need to ask: “Guys, does anyone still have Thando’s number?” And please… DO NOT CREATE ITS SEQUEL. “2026 Girls Trip”, followed by “2027 Girls Trip”, followed by “Girls Trip Planning”, followed by “Girls Trip Photos” At some point, we have to accept that the original group can handle more than one conversation. “I know, I know, another WhatsApp group, but…” No. That sentence is not a justification. It is an admission of guilt. If your opening message is “I know, I know, another WhatsApp group, but…” You already know you’ve done something wrong. You’re not asking permission. You’re asking for forgiveness. And the people you’re adding know it too. They’ve barely joined before they’re looking for the Exit Group button. ALSO READ: The 10 Commandments of online meetings Carmen’s final rule: Think before you group Before you create another WhatsApp group, ask yourself: Does this solve a real problem? Does an existing group already do the job? Does everyone actually need to be included? Could this conversation happen somewhere else? Will this group still exist in six months? And most importantly, Do we really need another WhatsApp group? Because sometimes the most productive thing you can do on WhatsApp… …is nothing. Close the app. Put the phone down. Go outside, and if you absolutely must create the group, at least don’t start with: “I know, I know, another WhatsApp group, but…” Show's Stories - Wrapping up Women’s Month in style with She Heals She Leads AfricaWhat better way to wrap up Women’s Month than by celebrating sisterhood, l… Carol Ofori 1 day, 5 hours ago - LISTEN: "We never expected this": Durban mother's heartbreak as daughter goes missing after Nepal floodsLinda shared the heartbreaking moment she realised her daughter was missin… East Coast Breakfast 1 day, 11 hours ago