Typing indicator
The animated dots ("…") that show the other person is composing a message. A little real-time signal that builds anticipation — and sometimes anxiety when the bubble appears, disappears, and appears again.
Mechanic: while you type, the app sends a discreet signal to the recipient that renders a "typing" bubble; it goes dark if you pause or delete. Social effects: it gives a sense of presence and conversational rhythm (you know a reply is coming), but can also create tension — the classic "bubble that comes and goes" as someone reformulates. Apple popularized the design with iMessage's three dots. Like read receipts, it's a status indicator that has become part of the social choreography of conversation. Often not separately toggleable. Related to disappearing messages and status/presence.