This 4-Question Practice Stops Social Media Regret

Before you hit "post" on that heated comment or emotional update, four simple questions could save you from lasting regret.

Dr. Tristan Gorrindo, a child and adolescent psychiatrist at The Ross Center in Washington, D.C., developed a practice called W.A.I.T. to help people think before they share. The approach is gaining attention as more people realize how quickly a moment of anger can turn into permanent digital history.

The stakes are especially high for teenagers, whose brains are still developing. "Adolescents are biologically more prone to making decisions that are not well thought out," Gorrindo explains. The brain's judgment center, located right behind the forehead, undergoes rapid development during the teen years.

But adults aren't immune to impulsive posting either. When emotions run high, we all face the temptation to fire off responses without considering the consequences.

The W.A.I.T. method offers a simple checkpoint. W stands for Wide Audience: Would you say this in front of your entire school or office? A means Affect: Are you in a good emotional place right now?

I represents Intent: Could your message be misunderstood? And T asks about Today: Does this need to be shared right now, or can it wait a day?

That final question about timing might be the most powerful. Taking even 24 hours to reconsider can completely change how you feel about posting something. What seems urgent in the heat of the moment often loses its edge after a good night's sleep.

Sunny's Take

In a world where we can broadcast to hundreds of friends instantly, having a mental pause button feels revolutionary. Gorrindo's research into how families use technology revealed a real need for tools that help us slow down in fast-moving digital spaces.

The beauty of W.A.I.T. is its simplicity. You don't need an app or a complicated system. Just four questions standing between impulse and regret.

The practice reminds us that our digital words carry real weight, reaching far more people than we often consider when we're caught up in strong emotions.

One mindful pause could be all it takes to protect relationships, reputations, and our own peace of mind.