The phenomenon occurs when messages sent to a group via SMS/MMS are received as individual texts, rather than consolidated within a single group conversation. For instance, a user participating in a group chat with several recipients may find each response arrives as a separate, one-on-one message from each individual participant, creating a fragmented and disorganized communication experience.
This issue presents a significant impediment to seamless communication and collaboration. Its historical context is rooted in the evolution of mobile messaging protocols, particularly the differences in handling group messaging across various carrier networks and Android operating system versions. Prior to advancements in Rich Communication Services (RCS), SMS/MMS limitations frequently contributed to this problem. The inability to maintain a unified group thread disrupts conversational flow, making it difficult to follow discussions and manage replies effectively. This can lead to missed information and increased user frustration.