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Mindless Gratitude: The Hidden Costs of Thank-You Emails

2/7/2026

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Summary

Story summary

In the UK, an article says frequent, mindless gratitude can diminish meaning and cites research suggesting reducing thank-you emails could save significant carbon emissions.
Another piece reflects on India's contrasting thanking norms, where gratitude is reserved for distant acquaintances, while close relationships view it as unnecessary.
The articles criticize passive-aggressive or presumptive gratitude in emails as insincere and commanding.

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Story summary

In the UK, an article says frequent, mindless gratitude can diminish meaning and cites research suggesting reducing thank-you emails could save significant carbon emissions.
Another piece reflects on India's contrasting thanking norms, where gratitude is reserved for distant acquaintances, while close relationships view it as unnecessary.
The articles criticize passive-aggressive or presumptive gratitude in emails as insincere and commanding.