Gmail displays arrows, or 'personal level indicators,' next to messages in your inbox so you can tell if a message was addressed to you, a group, or a mailing list. A single arrow (>) appears next to a message when it is sent to you, and a group of others. Double arrows (>>) indicate that a message is addressed only to you. Arrows won't appear next to messages sent to a mailing list.
Here's how to enable personal level indicators:
- Log in to your Gmail account.
- Click 'Settings' at the top of any Gmail page.
- Select 'Show indicators' in the 'Personal level indicators:' section, and click 'Save Changes.' (If you'd like to disable personal level indicators, just select 'No indicators' and click 'Save Changes.')