Blogging About Communication

Emoji is a word derived from the Japanese for picture and written character.  These characters add gestures to the conversations we have online, particularly when we text. But here’s the dilemma: What purpose does adding an emoji serve? Does the emoji make a message clearer, or does it help mask the message’s real meaning?  

CAN YOU IDENTIFY THE EMOJI’S PURPOSE?

How certain are you that you understand the emoji user’s intention? Is the sender using the emoji as punctuation or something else? Does your interpretation of the emoji’s meaning change depending on where in the message the sender places the emoji? Does the emoji’s presence add ambiguity or enhance transparency? Does it make the message more or less personal? More or less engaging?  These are questions you need to ask yourself and answer.

CAN YOU IDENTIFY HOW THE EMOJI AFFECTS YOU?

It’s up to you to determine how the emoji functions: Does it accentuate? Does it add humor? Does it modify the communicator’s tone? Does it suggest the sender’s enthusiasm, sarcasm, rage, joyfulness, playfulness, or good will? What does the emoji reveal to you about its user’s personality?

ARE YOU AWARE OF THE UH-OHS?

Are there drawbacks to including emojis? What happens should you misinterpret the sender’s intention? What steps can you to take to avoid misreading the emotional cue?

YOUR ACTION PLAN

When using or interpreting an emoji watch out for double-meanings. Do a google search if you’re in doubt of what the emoji signifies. The meaning of an emoji often changes depending on the context—so when uncertain, recheck! Ask yourself if the emoji use facilitates the conveying of meaning, or risks misunderstanding. While an emoji has been compared to a dialogue tag such as “she laughed,” or “she cried,” when misinterpreted the emoji can confuse and complicate communication—especially when people of different generations and cultures are communicating. For example, the thumbs up emoji can be interpreted as good or passive aggressive. What does its presence typically signify to you?