If you’ve ever cringed at your parents’ text messages, you’re not alone. Jason Saperstone, a 22-year-old publicist, has cracked the code of generational communication and is here to save us from awkward digital interactions.

In a viral Instagram video, Saperstone breaks down the complex world of text message etiquette, specifically focusing on the nuanced use of exclamation points. According to him, these punctuation marks aren’t just random expressions of excitement , they’re a strategic communication tool.

His guide reveals that exclamation points should only be used in three specific scenarios: when you agree with the sender, when you’re in the same situation, or when you’re trying to grab someone’s attention. This might sound simple, but for many parents, it’s a revolutionary concept.

Take Saperstone’s own mother, who enthusiastically used an exclamation point when he texted about being at a bar with a podcast host. While her excitement was genuine, it missed the mark of proper Gen Z texting protocol. The recommended response? A simple thumbs-up reaction.

The video resonated with viewers, including celebrities like Reese Witherspoon, who admitted to being “incorrectly” texting for years. Commenters shared their own generational communication struggles, with many requesting a comprehensive guide to navigating digital dialogue.

Beyond exclamation points, Saperstone hints at future lessons about emoji usage. For the uninitiated, a skull emoji doesn’t signal something morbid , it means laughing so hard you’ve metaphorically died.

This guide isn’t just about punctuation; it’s a window into how communication evolves. Each generation develops its own linguistic shorthand, transforming simple text messages into complex social interactions.

So the next time your parents send a text that makes you cringe, remember: they’re not trying to embarrass you. They’re just navigating a digital language that’s constantly shifting beneath their fingers.