Mail Goggles attempt to put an end to drunk messaging via e-mail settings

10/29/08 - Drunk messaging, in all forms, has been a problem for some University of Rhode Island students. They sit at their computers after a hard night of partying and drinking and think, "Hey, I'm going to send my ex a message online, and tell [him or her] what I really think of them."Almost always this endeavor turns out to be a bad idea. Usually, one just opens up old wounds, and wakes up the next morning wondering why all their ex's friends have left them angry or threatening messages.

But Google is trying to change all that. It's offering a free option called "Mail Goggles," which, like the Breathalyzer in a car's starter, is designed to prevent any regrettable decisions one might make while inebriated.

The system, as explained on Google's site, asks the user to answer five simple math questions, like 64 minus 43 or 13 times 12, in 60 seconds or less. If the user can't answer in that time, the message is not sent and the content is deleted.

By default, the option is only enabled for late night or weekend times, but the user can adjust the settings as he or she sees fit.

"I Facebook messaged my old teacher from high school," URI student Alexa Reyes said. "It was at 2:30 a.m., and he [told me later] 'I think you were a little intoxicated,' and he was correct."

If proven successful, other messaging services, such as Facebook, MySpace and AOL Instant Messenger may use similar technology.

"I think Facebook and phones should definitely have that [option]," URI student Holly Bertram said. "If it's three in the morning and I have to do math problems, there's no way I'm putting in the effort. Besides, it solves the whole next morning situation when you're saying, 'who did I text last night, what did I say, who's mad at me.' "

Ann Varna Garis, director of the psychology department, said this service is only peripheral and does not address a serious issue when it comes to preventing damage caused by excessive drinking.

"I've heard of cars that don't start when you're intoxicated," she said. "There are so many other ways that people hurt themselves with substance abuse other than e-mailing. From my point of view, that's a low priority. I think education about alcohol is more important than whether or not they're sending e-mails."

URI student James Isherwood agrees with Garis, and said he does not usually send messages while intoxicated.

"For me personally, no, [the option] would not help," Isherwood said. "I mean I do know I've received drunk e-mails, so maybe trying it on someone else would be a good thing."

Shayne Lopes said he does not think it is a big deal to send messages while drunk, and usually it results in more positive experiences. Lopes admitted to sending a text while drunk, but said it was not a regrettable situation.

"It was funny. I sent it to one of my friends," he said. "It was just a joke, and I usually don't bring my phone with me in those situations." He agrees though that overall, the Mail Goggles service would be beneficial to those who drink and chat online.