If you’ve spent time on social media, dating apps, or even regular messaging platforms, you’ve probably seen at least a few cringe sentences here and there.
Some messages are harmless. Like a stranger using an overused pickup line, or a text full of emojis and bad grammar.
But some other messages can take a darker turn, especially when the person on the receiving end doesn’t respond the way the sender hopes.
An awkward compliment can turn into passive-aggressive comments or even outright insults.
#4 Ngvc “I’m A Nice Guy I’m Just Trying To Help You Out” (Xpost From Not How Girls Work)
Some men genuinely believe persistence is romantic, research shows. Especially when it comes to texting or sliding into someone’s DMs, they feel that it's going to work out in their favor.
Experts say the idea that you should keep trying or win someone over is deeply rooted in pop culture and dating advice. It can lead people to think repeated messages are helpful, rather than uncomfortable.
Traditional gender expectations might also shape how people behave on dating apps and social media.
In many cultures, men are expected to initiate flirting or pursue women, while women are often seen as the gatekeepers who accept or reject advances.
Some men may feel pressure to send bold messages quickly and repeatedly because of this dynamic, experts believe.
#11 Ngvc: “I Was Very Nice To You, I Didn’t Think You’d Be This Disrespectful.”
Hiding behind a keyboard and a screen also makes people say things they normally wouldn’t face-to-face.
Online platforms also allow people to message strangers without social consequences.
Research shows that explicit and cringe messages can be found on almost all social platforms.
It says girls start receiving unwanted online attention from men they don't know at the young age of 12-14.
By the time they're 17 or 18 years, 80% of women have received inappropriate messages online.
Women on professional networking sites are also not safe. A recent study found that a whopping 91% of the women received romantic advances or inappropriate messages at least once on LinkedIn.
The unwanted messages requested dates or hookups, asked for intimate personal info or had unsolicited flattery.
#16 Sent This In Response To A Spam Text But Accidentally Sent It To A Cremation Business For My Cat
#17 Ngvc: “I Cannot Be The Nice Guy, Handling You Like A Delicate Flower While The Bad Guy Is Already Pounding You”
The biggest issue behind these kinds of messages is the lack of consent.
“I never want to ‘yucky’ anyone’s ‘yum’ as long as it is between two consenting adults, but consent can be a problem with initiation messages because there is no previous communication to establish consent,” says interpersonal communication researcher Amanda Lilly.
#19 He Was Lecturing Everyone About Masculinity… Until I Posted His Dance-Class Photo And He Deleted His Comment
#20 Ngvc: “I Stopped When I Realize You’re Serious” – Guy Thinks Ignoring ‘No’ Is Normal And Blames Women For Not Dropping Their Knickers
