Broadcasters have used built-in delays to protect the public against unsavory aspects of live programming for years.

The 7 second delay is something that can work for us as well in our fast-moving digital world.

Pause 7 seconds before responding in real time to a text or email message and protect against putting a first thought as a final thought.

Usually, the first idea is our worst idea – delaying a response even for as little as 7 seconds and perhaps more if possible makes us a better, more sensitive communicator.