A new behavioral study released this week by Brothers News Network confirms that the phrase “on my way” is most commonly sent while the sender is still physically lying down or at their original location.

Researchers found that 74% of “on my way” texts are transmitted before the sender has made any progress toward getting ready.

The report defines “on my way” as “a future-facing commitment rather than a current geographical reality.”

Researchers identified this behavior as a form of confidence-based time distortion — the belief that announcing movement will somehow implement it.