The use of emojis in textual communication is a relatively recent phenomenon and a new development in the communications landscape with significant uptake in a short period. With the increased prevalence of emojis in modern textual communication, it is important to examine and understand whether emotions conveyed by these symbols are accorded the same meaning by individuals worldwide and the icon differences among the different platforms in their usage. The use of emojis in textual communication is a relatively recent phenomenon and a new development in the communications landscape with significant uptake in a short period. With the increased prevalence of emojis in modern textual communication, it is important to examine and understand whether emotions conveyed by these symbols are accorded the same meaning by individuals worldwide and the icon differences among the different platforms in their usage.
Keyword : Emoji, Textual communication, Digital media, Debate, Analysis
Author(s) : Ikaderinyo Ibambo Furomfagha, Ph.D
Abstract :
The use of emojis in textual communication is a relatively recent phenomenon and a new development in the communications landscape with significant uptake in a short period. With the increased prevalence of emojis in modern textual communication, it is important to examine and understand whether emotions conveyed by these symbols are accorded the same meaning by individuals worldwide and the icon differences among the different platforms in their usage. Despite the growing ubiquity of emojis in textual messages, controversies associated with their meaning and icon debate exist. This study examined the controversies surrounding emoji’s interpretation and icon debate in modern textual communication. The study’s objective was to investigate whether emoji icons and interpretation are the same among the different digital platforms. The study was anchored on the Technological Determinism Theory. The methodology adopted was the qualitative research design with the documentary research method as a secondary data collection method. The study explored the meanings and interpretations of emojis and icon standardization among different digital platforms. Findings revealed that emojis convey a wide range of emotions and enhance the tone and context of text-based digital conversations. However, emojis used in text-based conversations are full of meaning and interpretation controversy. The study also found a lack of icon standardization among the different digital platforms leading to miscommunication and misunderstanding. Based on the findings, the researcher recommends amongst others that audiences should be conscious of how they use emojis in text-based communication as inappropriate use of emojis could be misinterpreted and lead to litigations.
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