‘PBS Idea Channel’ Explores the Significance of Read Receipts and iMessage

PBS Idea Channel host Mike Rugnetta explores the significance of read receipts and iMessage in the latest episode of the series. Rugnetta also ruminates on green bubbles versus blue bubbles while looking at how Apple’s managed to perfect a certain kind of anxiety-inducing signal.

Why are you ignoring my messages? Are read receipts AMAZING or INFURIATING? When you check iMessage on your iPhone, iWatch, iMac, iPad, i…WHATEVER, and you see a little note that says your friend saw your message, but they aren’t responding. Why are you ignoring my texts? WHY DOES IT HURT SO MUCH?! WHAT COULD BE MORE IMPORTANT THAN RESPONDING TO MY TEXT MESSAGE? Also, what’s up with those people with green bubbles? Aren’t they the worst?