Why Do Error Messages Need Therapy?

Have you ever wanted to flip your laptop after seeing an error message?

Yes, exactly the same here. Redundant, confusing, and unclear error messages are similar to bad relationship conflicts, or even ghosting.

Let’s fix that. Here’s how to write error messages that don’t start wars.

1. Be Specific

❌ “Oops! Something went wrong.”
✅“Your payment didn’t go through. Try a different card or check your connection.”

If a missile hits the wrong target, nobody wants to hear “Oops.” We want details as users.

2. Be Helpful

Don’t just point out the fire. Hand over a fire extinguisher.
Give users the next steps.
✅ “Can’t log in? Reset your password here.”
Even a frustrated user will forgive you if they feel supported, not abandoned like a 404 page in a storm.

3. Be Human

❌ “User authentication failed.”
✅ “Hmm, that password doesn’t look right. Want to try again?”
Talk like a person.
You’re not a villain monologuing; try to be a teammate. Even tech has feelings (well, kind of).

4. Humor Helps (Only When Appropriate)

✅ “Looks like the server took a coffee break. Be right back!”
✅ “404: “This page is lost. Probably watching Orange cat videos.”
Keep it light, unless it’s a payment screen or… international conflict.
(Like Israel and Iran’s dashboards probably just flash: “CRITICAL ERROR: DIPLOMACY NOT FOUND.”)

5. Avoid the Blame Game

Don’t make users feel like they broke your app.
It’s a digital experience, not a courtroom.
Instead of: ❌ “You entered wrong data,”
Try: ✅ “Let’s double-check that info together.”

Conclusion: Write Error Messages That Work

Bad UX kills good products. And bad error messages?
They start wars or at least support tickets that feel like one.

Remember the golden rules:

• Clear > Confusing
• Friendly > Robotic
• Helpful > Helpless
• Specific > “Oops”

Next time you write an error message, ask yourself:
Would this make a tired user smile… or launch a missile? Choose peace, dear DEVs. Seen a terrible or hilarious error message when you’re already on the verge?
Let’s fix UX, one fire at a time…