When an electronic message is marked for attention, various actions can occur depending on the email client and server configuration. Typically, this action visually highlights the message within the inbox, often using a colored flag or icon. For example, marking a message might change its background color or position it at the top of the inbox for increased visibility.
This functionality provides a means of prioritizing correspondence, reminding the user to take specific actions, or categorizing messages for later review. Historically, such methods mirrored the use of physical flags or stickers to draw attention to important documents in paper-based systems. It allows for more efficient email management and ensures critical items are not overlooked.