Why you keep rereading sent messages, and how to stop

Rereading sent texts and fretting over every emoji often stems from losing control over how a message lands, says Dr Rituparna Ghosh, senior consultant psychologist at Apollo Hospitals, Navi Mumbai. People who fear being judged or misunderstood check repeatedly for reassurance, but the relief is short-lived because the anxiety isn't really about the message. Perfectionism can also drive the habit.