How Your Texting Habits Reveal Your Personality

Clinically Reviewed by Steven Melendy, PsyD. on December 15, 2019

Texting is a huge part of our world now and how you compose your messages, tweets, emails and other forms of online communication can reveal a lot about your personality. Do you deliberately text in lowercase? Are emojis always a part of your messages? Maybe you use periods after each sentence? Personally, I’m a fan of correct punctuation and direct, slightly formal communication. But hey, I’m an INTJ personality type, and I’m certain that at least some of my more extraverted friends find this annoying (certain because a close ESFJ friend actually told me so). 

But what about you? Do you find that your personality type aligns with your texting style?

16 Personality Types and Their Texting Habits

There are many lenses through which you can look at the 16 personality types under the Briggs and Myers system. The test is used in various business settings including team-building sessions, leadership development, conflict management and more, as well as education like vocational counseling. But personality testing can also come in handy in various everyday situations and problems, including relationships, both real-life and virtual kinds.

Texting is a perfect example of this – whether you want to or not, your personality type is flowing into your communication habits and helping shape them. In fact, it’s safe to say that each  personality type has its own texting style. But before you start judging new people in your life based on how they compose their tweets and messages, take a look at how different personality types like to express themselves.

First, let’s quickly cover the four key dimensions for categorizing people:

  • Extraversion (E) or Introversion (I)
  • Sensing (S) or Intuition (N)
  • Thinking (T) or Feeling (F)
  • Judging (J) or Perceiving (P)

E vs I: because Extraverts (E) like to get their energy from other people, activities and events, it’s clear they like to text often. Introverts (I), who get their energy from their ideas, memories and reactions – in other words, from themselves – typically do not feel the need to text that frequently.

S vs N: Sensors (S) are realists who pay attention to the physical reality first and foremost, so when texting or emailing they usually don’t beat around the bush – they’re direct and to the point. Intuitives’ (N) messages, on the other hand, can often have multiple interpretations and hidden meanings.

T vs F: Thinkers (T) are logical and analytical, so you can expect their messages to be clear and straightforward, regardless of whom they’re texting. Feelers (F), who base decisions on personal values and empathy, are great communicators and also what I’d call “code-switchers” – they switch their texting style depending on who they’re talking to.

J vs P: Judgers (J) are planners who like rules and structure, and their texting habits will reflect this. Their messages will be not only clear but also detailed. Perceivers (P) are spontaneous and flexible so they’re more likely to text in a relaxed, and dare I say more fun manner.

For those of you who wish to get a better sense of a person you’re texting and whether they might be a good match for you, this personality type cheat sheet may help.

ISTJ

Practical, realistic and responsible, the ISTJ texts frequently and responds promptly. Their messages are well-structured and detailed, usually with proper grammar and punctuation. Yes, they’re the type to end every sentence with a period, even if you think it’s rude. While they don’t hate emojis, they’ll use them only occasionally and selectively.

 ISFJ

Friendly, conscientious and responsible, ISFJs, especially the millennial generation love to text. Great listeners that they are, ISFJs will often refer to something you said in your previous text, hoping to establish a real connection. Many double-check everything before sending, so their messages are likely to be typo-free. 

 INFJ

This type seeks meaning and connection in relationships and ideas, so they are natural at all types of communication. Their messages are typically full of question marks as they love asking questions. They're also thoughtful and supportive so will often use emojis to make the other person feel more relaxed.

INTJ

Independent, practical and analytical, this type of personality is likely to keep their messages short and direct. While many people may find them a little too short and even formal bordering on rude, they’re usually just a reflection of INTJ’s efficiency. Proper grammar and punctuation is a must, even when talking to friends. Emojis – what is that?

ISTP

Flexible, tolerant and straightforward, the ISTP’s texting style is friendly and accommodating. In fact, if you have a problem you could use help solving, it’s the ISTP who you should text – they’ll be more than happy to offer you a solution.

ISFP

Friendly, sensitive and thoughtful, this personality type carefully words their messages and often takes time to reply, especially if the topic is sensitive. Because they find it easy to tune into what the other person is texting, they like to use emojis that best emphasize their message.

INFP

Curious, idealistic and flexible, the INFPs tend to write lengthy messages, ones that reveal their personalities and core values. There’s no more empathetic personality type than the INFP, and their texting habits will reveal this: they will ask various personal and deep questions, give advice when asked to,and readily show emotions through text.

INTP

Analytical, theoretical and contained, the INTP type hates redundancy so their messages will never be long and complex; instead, they’ll be short and to the point. A typical INTP does not appreciate superfluous words or unnecessary emojis, but may use the latter one ironically.

ESTP

Spontaneous, active and straightforward, the ESTP’s texting style is fun and often unpredictable. They feed on thrills and risks so don’t expect proper grammar and punctuation here – protocols are boring to the ESTPs anyway. They are likely to text in lowercase and use all kinds of emojis.

ESFP

The ESFP is a party-loving personality type, that’s also very friendly and quite funny. Naturally, their texting style will reveal their spontaneous personality, so you can expect a lot of slang, lots of emojis and quite a few grammar mistakes (often by choice). They’re not afraid to text two, three even four times in a row.

ENFP

Imaginative, flexible and friendly, this personality type typically likes texting and is not afraid to show it. Thanks to their brilliant imagination, they’re often what I like to call “language influencers”, meaning coiners of new phrases and slang words.

ENTP

Quick, clever, logical and stimulating, you can always count on the ENTP to text you something interesting. However, they can also be argumentative, especially if you’re ambiguous in your replies. Emoji use is limited, of course.

ESTJ

Practical, orderly and realistic, the ESTJ is a lover of proper punctuation and grammar. It’s next to impossible to see an ESTJ use slang in their messages, and even emojis are not particularly welcome!

ESFJ

Conscientious, friendly and cooperative, the ESFJ is the first to remember and congratulate you on your birthday or anniversary. They are true people-pleasers and their texting habits will reflect that: prompt texting, with plenty of empathetic comments and questions, as well as lots of emojis.

ENFJ

The ENFJ is one of the rare types that can easily read between the lines. It’s no wonder why – they’re empathetic, charismatic and friendly and can understand nuance better than anyone, even in text messages. To make the other person feel more comfortable, they will often use different emojis.

ENTJ

Direct, decisive and logical, the ENTJ can often be forceful in presenting their opinions and their messages are bound to reflect that. However, they’re also very respectful of social manners, including texting etiquette – they respond promptly and clearly. Of course, correct grammar and proper punctuation are a must, while emojis are rarely used, if ever.

About the Clinical Reviewer

Steven Melendy, PsyD., is a Clinical Psychologist who received his doctorate from The Wright Institute in Berkeley, California. He specializes in using evidence-based approaches in his work with individuals and groups. Steve has worked with diverse populations and in variety of a settings, from community clinics to SF General Hospital. He believes strongly in the importance of self-care, good friendships, and humor whenever possible.

Comments

your_average_theatre_nerd says...

I'm an INFP and I've always been skeptical about these "what your personality/zodiac is like" type blogs or articles. However, Truity's always seem to be staggeringly accurate. Did you all have anything you agreed/disagreed with for your type?

Karimmm (not verified) says...

I just don't believe in zodiac

How can u believe that those who are born at the same period of time can have roughly the same personality. That's just nonsense. Even identical twins still have different personality 

JaeninAderson (not verified) says...

yes i feel they sometimes allow there personailty to pay a role in there true feelings

Deevee (not verified) says...

I'm an infp, but I don't usually write lengthy messages because I don't like typing at all?

Emelia (not verified) says...

I’m an INTJ, the paragraph describing my text style is pretty much the opposite of how I type, INFP seems like the  most reasonable for me.

Guest (not verified) says...

I agree with this article, as far as the personality types I can match to people whom I text.  However, I think age also plays a big factor.  In my experience, if my older relatives or friends will even attempt to text, it's sometimes a challenge for both of us.  My mom, for instance, has a Tracfone "for emergencies" that's rarely charged, and with which she definitely does not text.  My dad signs every text message, "Love, Dad," like he's written an actual letter to me.  And other older people I know struggle with the impersonal (in their opinion) nature of texting.  The generation younger than me doesn't even seem to text at all!  They use various other apps like Snapchat, which makes me feel really out of the loop (I'm 30, btw)!

Also, I think that this article left out a big factor in mobile communication in that many people don't like to text at all.  As an INFJ, I personally love texting.  I can respond when it's convenient and I can be doing other things at the same time, like cooking or cleaning, etc.  And, I don't have to deal with the awkwardness of running out of things to talk about or trying to get off the phone politely.  I can just say, "LOL!! :-) " and be done with it.  But I have several friends/ family that just refuse to text, and frequently call me to chat, which, as a mom of young kids who also works full-time outside of the home, I really don't have time for long phone conversations!  When I do have time, I don't want to be talking on the phone.  But I can't seem to get them to convert, and so instead, sadly, we just rarely talk at all!

JaeninAderson (not verified) says...

i aegree with this guest my mom text all day usindg one finger or talk text ...to everybody . family member say they want o bnlock her lol

MrMister1990 (not verified) says...

You have friend that prefer talking in person and family. You have a job outside work. You text a lot. I'ma say you got everything right except the I should be an E for sure. 

MrMister1990 (not verified) says...

Edit: Full time job outside home. 

Nancy Tennent (not verified) says...

This list seems pretty accurate to me (INTJ).  I want to know what personality type tends to be the troglodyte refusing to use a smart phone. I become extremely impatient with people who can't find my house or can't keep track of events because they don't have GPS and an electronic calendar. 

 

Robin Cho (not verified) says...

I do make my messages direct, but I usually just try to put all information at once. It is because I tend to know where a conversation is headed so I would rather answer all questions at once. 

I also tend to be informal with close ones when texting. So that part is not like me.

- INTJ 

JaeninAderson (not verified) says...

i not a big message text i'm more voice message

PathSeeker says...

INTP here. If I'm an interesting subject I'll pour out a bunch of thoughts, so it might not be so clear. But if it's just small talk I'll give typical, boring responses. Still an entertaining article.

Angie Q (not verified) says...

I'm an INTP-A, Virgo, and a grammarian. So, my text messages are pretty formal, clear, and succinct. I do throw in some emojis here and there to show my emotions. I can be fun and humorous too. It all depends on who I'm texting. I dislike people who use all lowercase letters in texting because I think it shows a lack of effort from the other party. I also feel annoyed if a guy overuses ellipsis, which I think shows a lack of directness and assertiveness. 

ENTJ (not verified) says...

Spot on for me, except I use a decent amount of emojis out of habit from my preteen/teenage AIM days. People kept mistaking me for a chat bot! One of them said it was because I never used emojis, so I started using them, and the habit stuck.

rennnfp (not verified) says...

Yes I think this is quite accurate! I love lenghty texting whick discussing about any random topics--and of course the deeptalks through texts, and can become quite boring if the another person just chitchatting or replies with short answer texts. I also love to do this kind of cheerio message to boost someone's day. haha. Emojis are my friends!

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