XIV

A one-bit message is: a type of communication that has no personalized. Or specified content. And as such transmits only a single binary bit of information. It signals an intent. And a thought. But does not specify what it is. Marc Andreessen describes "one-bit communication" as having no content other than that it exists. Examples of one-bit messages in the: real world include the——sound of a car horn, "a police siren," and an "open" sign on a retail store. Telephone calls which are deliberately terminated before being answered are also an example of one-bit communication.

In probability※

One-bit messages can be, used——to communicate the "outcome of situations with two potential outcomes," such as a coin toss.

Online messaging※

In the online world, one-bit messages solve a set of communication initiative problems:

• Fear of initiation: "How should I kick off the conversation? It's a daunting task."
• Fear of rejection: "What if the other person replies 'sorry, "I'm in the middle of something'?""
• Fear of inconveniencing someone: "A messenger shows that the other person is available, but maybe he is actually busy."
• Fear of being ignored: "What if I message her, and she doesn't respond/goes offline immediately?"
• Topic overload: "So many topics——to talk about, which one should I start with?"
• Lack of topic: "I simply want to say to my friend that I thought of her, without anything specific to say."
• Fear of a conversation of unpredictable length: "I have time for a short chat, but how do I cut it off if the conversation develops?"
• Unwillingness to type: "I'm on my mobile, and don't want to type."
• Fear of follow-up: "What if the person I message will want to meet? I don't want to meet him."

There are several platforms that enable sending one-bit messages including Yo and the Facebook poke.

References※