Epoke

Epoke is a term used in online communication to describe a lightweight electronic nudge sent through a messaging or social media platform. An epoke is typically a non-text notification designed to attract the recipient's attention and prompt a response without conveying a substantive message. The exact implementation and acceptance of epokes vary by platform and user community; there is no single standard definition.

In practice, an epoke may be initiated by clicking a dedicated epoke button, selecting an icon, or using a shorthand command. The notification often appears as a brief alert or badge, sometimes accompanied by a minimal label such as “poke” or “you’ve got a poke.” Some apps treat epokes as a privacy-friendly way to follow up without sending a full message, while others restrict or discourage them due to potential annoyance.

Applications include casual social networks, gaming chats, and informal team channels. In professional settings, epokes are less common and may be governed by etiquette guidelines that emphasize consent and limits to avoid distraction or harassment.

Critics argue that epokes can undermine meaningful communication or contribute to notification fatigue. Proponents view them as a simple, non-intrusive way to re-engage someone who may have missed a prior message.

See also: poke, digital nudge, online etiquette, notification fatigue.