In discussing emoji use across generations, itâs evident that differing outlooks shape how emojis are interpreted and employed. Jo, representing Gen Z, noted a tendency among their peers to use emojis ironically or humorously rather than in a literal sense. They emphasized the rapid evolution of trends within their generation, requiring constant adaptation to what is deemed amusing or relevant. Conversely, Sam, a millennial, observed that younger generations utilize emojis as punctuation or brief responses, whereas older generations, including those less familiar with online culture, employ them more earnestly.
How did Gen X fare? What about baby boomers when it came to emojis?
How did Gen X fare? What about baby boomers when it came to emojis?
Ant, a member of Gen X, indicated a preference for using emojis in response to othersâ messages rather than initiating their use. He acknowledged the greater frequency of emoji usage among younger individuals and expressed a personal inclination toward typing out messages without relying on emojis. Mike, a baby boomer, echoed this sentiment, suggesting that older generations are generally less inclined to use emojis compared to their younger counterparts.
When asked about specific emojis, their responses varied:
When asked about specific emojis, their responses varied
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đ (Face with Tears of Joy) Jo mentioned its common usage for humor, while Sam highlighted its role as a shorthand response. Ant noted its use in response to othersâ texts, indicating its familiarity across generations. Mike didnât offer a specific interpretation but acknowledged its popularity among younger users. đŻ (Hundred Points) Jo and Sam associated this emoji with emphasis or agreement, while Ant mentioned its use in response to othersâ messages. Mike didnât provide a specific interpretation but acknowledged its existence. đ (Raising Hands) Jo and Sam both noted its usage to express celebration or agreement. Ant didnât provide a specific interpretation. Mike didnât offer input on this particular emoji. Following that, they randomly selected several emojis and inquired about their significance or usage according to each participant. Here are their responses:
Jo associated it with a disdainful reaction or reluctance. Michael associated it with being bothered by something. Em and Sam associated it with feeling overwhelmed by negativity. Ant was unsure of its meaning. Mike associated it with a negative or unpleasant situation.
The ârolling on the floor laughingâ emoji
The “rolling on the floor laughing” emojis
Jo would use it ironically to imitate others. Em suggested using it in formal settings to clarify humor. Ant associated it with intense laughter. Mike associated it with something incredibly funny.
Jo perceived it as conveying a âIâm deadâ vibe or substituting for âbruh.â Michael associated it with indicating something stupid. Em described its use in contexts where laughter or shock is expressed. Sam related it to death from embarrassment or shock. Ant and Mike shared they havenât used it frequently but might associate it with toxicity or death.
The âloudly crying faceâ emoji
The “loudly crying face” emojis
Jo and Michael related it to laughing at something inappropriate or traumatic. Em associated it with expressing emotions such as beauty or cuteness. Sam mentioned it as her most used emoji, indicating happiness or feeling loved. Ant and Mike associated it with sadness or emotional situations.
The âexploding headâ emoji
The “exploding head” emoji
Jo associated it with sarcastic shock or exasperation. Michael associated it with sarcasm or indifference. Em and Sam associated it with being mind-blown. Ant associated it with overwhelming situations. Mike related it to confusion or being overwhelmed.
The ânail polishâ emoji
The “nail polish” emojis
Jo associated it with queerness or self-expression. Em related it to something fancy. Sam associated it with queer identity. Ant related it to relaxation. Mike associated it with diva behavior.
The âweary faceâ emoji
The “weary face” emoji
Jo associated it with reacting to an attractive person. Em and Sam related it to expressions of frustration or disbelief. Ant associated it with conveying bad news or regrets. Mike associated it with sad news but not necessarily death-related.
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The âhot faceâ emoji
The “hot face” emojis
Michael related it to sarcastic compliments or jokingly showing heat. Em described it as feeling overwhelmed, possibly implying horniness. Sam related it to sweati
ng due to someoneâs attractiveness. Ant and Mike associated it with literal heat or high temperatures.
The âface with rolling eyesâ emoji
The “face with rolling eyes” emoji
Jo, Em, and Sam associated it with eye-rolling. Ant associated it with skepticism or confusion. Mike associated it with anticipating someoneâs foolishness.
The âeyesâ emoji
The “eyes” emojis
Jo hadnât used it much and hadnât seen it used. Em associated it with peeping or observation. Sam associated it with curiosity or suspicion. Mike related it to incredulousness or doubt.
The âsmiling face with heartsâ emoji
The “smiling face with hearts” emoji
Jo perceived it as being used passively aggressively or sarcastically. Em related it to expressing gratitude or kindness. Sam used it to express appreciation or as a âyouâre welcome.â Ant associated it with expressions of love or happiness. Mike related it to family interactions or happy occasions.
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The âfolded handsâ emoji
The “folded hands” emojis
Jo associated it with various uses, including expressing attraction, gratitude, or pleading. Em related it to expressing hope. Sam associated it with the gesture âpleaseâ. Ant found it annoying and associated it with blessings or safety wishes. Mike associated it with blessings or prayers.
The âface with raised eyebrowâ emoji
The “face with raised eyebrow” emoji
Jo associated it with voicing skepticism or suspicion. Em related it to voicing disbelief or interest. Sam related it to signaling suspicion or questioning. Ant related it to describing skepticism or curiosity. Mike related it to expressing disbelief or conflict.
The âsmirking faceâ emoji
The “smirking face” emojis
Jo associated it with implying something or hinting at attractiveness. Michael associated it with sarcasm or sneakiness. Em related it to mischief. Sam related it to playful flirting or sneakiness. Ant and Mike werenât sure about its usage.
Emoticons still trump emojis
Emoticons still trump emojis
Although there remains some ambiguity regarding the meanings of emojis, the purpose behind emoticons is generally well grasped. Emoticons, such as đ and :(, have been in use since the early 1980s, predating emojis. According to a study conducted in 2001, there is widespread consensus that the happy face đ signifies positivity, while the frowny face đ conveys negativity. While emojis were invented by the Japanese in the late 1990s, these simple emoticons have provided a universally understood means of expressing emotions in digital communication for decades.