burden of replying

Like the burden of proof, but for instant messaging. When two people (usually acquaintances and not close friends) are messaging each other, the burden of replying is on the person who did not send the last reply. In other words, that person is the one who has to decide whether they want to continue the conversation or not, and if they do, they must be the one to send a reply or the conversation is over (unless the other person double texts).

Mary: When's the last time you talked to Joe?
Sue: Oh, I texted him this morning but he stopped replying so I think he was busy or something. I'm just going to wait until he texts first; the burden of replying is on him, after all.
Mary: True.

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