The Clever Texting Code That Will Get Your Friends' Attention

A TikToker by the name of Amber Henry recently went viral for detailing the "911 System" she uses with her friends. By now, we all know that messaging someone 911 indicates something important is taking place and a phone call is needed as soon as possible. This was a common practice that began with the rise of beepers in the '80s and '90s, lasting into the early 2000s. Henry uses the same method, though her system separates the codes into categories from least to most significant.

The first category is 917, used for something innocent like helping a friend choose a pair of jeans to buy. A 915 is slightly more vital, but not critical, signaling something along the lines of receiving that dreaded "We need to talk" text from a boyfriend. You'd undoubtedly want your friend's input on that, though it isn't life or death. Things are a bit more worrisome once a 913 text is received. This code is reserved for receiving potentially bad news from an employer. Those moments need moral support from your friend group, maybe even a job recommendation or two. However, Henry says there is no room for procrastination once a 911 text is received. This means your buddies need you right then and there.

"I don't care where you are or what you're doing, you call me back right now. Matter of fact, you show up to my house," Henry says of the dreaded 911 text.