Seattle Parents Demand Kids Respond to Texts, Goes Viral

URGENT UPDATE: A Seattle family’s unconventional rule about responding to family texts has taken TikTok by storm, garnering over 730,000 views in a matter of hours. In a viral post, 22-year-old Sanjita Rishikesan (@iluvturtlezzz) revealed that her parents, 50-year-old Karpagam Lakshminarasimhan and 54-year-old Rishi Rangarajan, require their children to watch and respond to any videos sent in the family group chat—no exceptions.

This unusual household policy has struck a chord with TikTok users, who are eager to see if Sanjita and her 17-year-old brother Srikar will comply. The trend, which began with a humorous take on navigating family communication, highlights the generational gap in how families engage online. Sanjita’s post features an on-screen text that reads, “Sometimes you gotta read your mom’s texts and just move on with your day,” followed by her mother’s long, polite message outlining the family’s sole rule: they must respond with at least an emoji.

Sanjita humorously described her parents as “more chronically online than me,” reflecting the irony of modern family dynamics. She explained that her parents share videos they find meaningful or funny, primarily dog reels and family-centric content. “They mostly send dog reels [and] funny family reels, mostly talking about how easily I get annoyed,” she noted.

The family’s messaging etiquette has sparked discussions online about the importance of family connections in the digital age. One user commented, “I’m a desi psychologist—it’s called a bid for connection—they want to share what they find interesting and hope you do too!” Another added, “As a mom, I approve this message,” emphasizing the emotional resonance of the parents’ requests.

Sanjita’s reaction to her mom’s message was one of disbelief followed by laughter, prompting her to share the moment with friends and the wider TikTok community. The clip’s rapid rise in views has made it an engaging topic for conversation, with many viewers expressing sympathy for the sibling duo navigating their parents’ expectations.

As this story continues to gain traction, it raises questions about how families adapt to the evolving digital landscape and the expectations placed on younger generations to engage online. TikTok users are watching closely to see how Sanjita and Srikar handle their parents’ demands, making this an ongoing, relatable story for many.

Stay tuned as more reactions pour in, and watch for updates on whether Sanjita and Srikar will indeed respond to every reel sent by their parents. This viral sensation is not just a glimpse into one family’s dynamic but a mirror reflecting the broader experience of families navigating the new digital world together.