A survey of 1,000 adults discovered that Brits often send messages that include embarrassing typos or autocorrect blunders, and frequent instances of ’emotional oversharing’.
Some have even admitted to completely misjudging someone’s sense of humour, while others confessed to cringe-worthy attempts at flirting.
The research was commissioned by IRN-BRU and FUNKIN Cocktails, who have teamed up to create a new Vodka Martini cocktail.
To celebrate the launch, the two brands have brought some of the nation’s less-than-smooth messages to life through the art of Babak Ganjei – swapping the soft drink’s bubbly fizz for a new smooth velvety texture.
This artwork can be appreciated in pop-up galleries in London and Glasgow this weekend, accompanied by a can of the new cocktail.
Ashley Birch-Ruffell at FUNKIN commented: “Not everyone is a message maestro and our research shows the majority of us have experienced a heavy dose of cringe when chatting by text.”
“Babak has turned these fails into fine art and we’re so pleased to be able to share it.”
(Image: Irn-Bru)
The study revealed that 70% have wanted to ‘crawl into a hole’ due to an awkward text, with as many as 19% confessing this happens to them on a weekly basis, if not daily.
Steamy direct messages are among the most embarrassing texts, with a third admitting to having sent one and later wishing they hadn’t – a smaller 11% have had to engage in ‘difficult conversations’ with a friend as a result.
Kenny Nicholson from IRN-BRU stated: “These galleries are a chance to embrace those cringe moments.”
“To celebrate the first ever official IRN-BRU alcoholic cocktail, we wanted to take a moment to appreciate some of the not so smooth moments which the nation navigates daily.”
The BEEP Show is open to the public on 29th and 30th November at 2 Charlotte Road in London and Social Hub in Glasgow for visitors aged 18 and over.