the ultimate gender-neutral substitute for “guys” is "chat”
@rcombs me, the instructor, walking into class on the first day of a new semester: "Hello chat."

@rcombs Oddly, thinking about it, chat is exclusive to people interacting, dividing them from watchers as a second class.

That is such a weird thought you inspired in me. I hope you are happy! ^.^;;

I still prefer folks. <3

@rcombs watch that get adopted in real life conversations in realtime! /s