readunread

Readunread (often written as read/unread) is a status flag used in digital messaging and notification systems to indicate whether a message, thread, or item has been viewed by the user. In many email clients and instant messaging apps, each item carries a read/unread state that toggles when the user opens the content. Unread items are typically highlighted—by bold text, a colored marker, or a badge—so new messages stand out, while read items lose that emphasis.

Users can usually change the state manually by selecting "mark as read" or "mark as unread" to manage attention or revisit later. At the thread level, some interfaces apply the read state to all contained messages when the latest item is opened, although others track read status per individual message.

Technical notes: the read/unread flag is stored as metadata on the client and may be synchronized with a server to support multiple devices. Implementations vary: some systems reflect read status in the sender’s interface via read receipts, while others treat read/unread solely as a user interface cue without sender visibility. Privacy considerations can affect visibility and suppression of read confirmations; users may disable automatic read receipts in some apps.

Limitations: read/unread does not guarantee engagement or message delivery; it reflects user interaction with the item, not its content’s truth or importance. It remains a common feature for triaging communications and managing workflows across email, chat, and notification platforms.