As someone who uses the Internet on a regular basis, I was thrilled to find out the update for my iPhone allowed me to send gifs as text messages. It's been said that some 55% of communication is nonverbal, and even the phenomenon of emojis can't quite display the range of emotions of a flesh-and-blood human.
Many people would say that means we have to have real conversations. Apple and I respond with a resounding 'no' — we just need GIFs. So if you are new to the world of reaction GIFs, here are some of my favorites that you can use in everyday situations.
1. God is always watching.
Pulled from one of my favorite sketches from the excellent "That Mitchell and Webb Look," this can be used whenever you're being asked to do anything that fringes on the sexual or illegal. It doesn't mean you're not going to do it, but it's nice to communicate that you at least recognize morals.
2. The Freak-Out.
This is from another excellent British comedy, and you can use Richard Ayoade throwing a computer monitor anytime you are slightly upset by the news or frustrated at how to draft that pesky paper assignment. Either way — less expensive than a real broken computer.
3. The Sun ... too much ...
I'm always happy to see that the people who inhabit infomercials are just as hilariously incompetent as I remember them. This GIF is most effective when you've been stuck inside for far too long on a Netflix binge and a friend is checking to make sure you're still alive. Or if it's hot and you're ... you know ... white.
4. Get ready to be schooled.
If you know anything about Cracked "After Hours" series, then you know this character from Dan O'Brien is basically me in male and fictional form. If you've got into a complicated argument about something you love and have spent far too much researching — this is the GIF to use as your opener.
5. Why choose?
Time to decide whether you'd rather go with one of two equally good choices? Don't! Whether it's what food to get or what event to go to, this can be your life advice. Remember, Mama didn't raise no quitter.
6. Instant regret.
THIS is for later that night when you realize eating pizza and tacos was a bad idea and you realized you shouldn't have taken lifestyle advice from a kid's fantasy movie. Whatever. Be sure to watch "Bojack Horseman" while you recover.
