Abstract
During the conversation, we use both verbal and non-verbal language to make the communication effective. However, in the digital world, we could face some problems: our messages could be misunderstood as cold and rude, or our irony could not be interpreted by the receiver properly. To avoid these obstacles in computer-assisted communication, people resort to emoticons, emojis, or avatars. Having analyzed my experience of using such tools, I see that they became an essential part of my daily conversations with my family and friends as that help make communication less lengthy and more exact.
How We Use Emoticons, Emoji, and Avatars
Emoticons and Emoji
According to Merriam-Webster Dictionary, the emoticons represent groups of keyboard characters applied to show a specific facial expression or emotion, while the term “emoji” refers to a wide range of symbols, small images, and icons designed to communicate playfully or succinctly (Merriam-Webster, n.d., Emoji; Emoticon). The most typical emoticon that I use in messengers is :-), however, I prefer utilizing different emoji: from usual smiling face to vomiting one, and even sometimes replace simple words such as names of countries, animals, etc. signs.
Seargeant (2019) calls technologies one of the major reasons for changes in our language: with the changes of ways of people’s interaction with each other, the shape of the applied language also undergoes modifications. For example, the development of emoji was affected by limitations of technology: while face-to-face conversations easily express emotions with tone or facial expression, the usage of punctuation in computer-mediated messaging could help overcome emotional bluntness (Seargeant, 2019).
There were some cases in my experience when I missed out on emoticons and emojis in my messages, and some of my friends felt offended or misunderstood my words. However, I intentionally avoid smiles in informal talks because they appear excessive: formal conversations should present facts and information without inappropriate emotions.
According to Aritajati (2020), people who use emoji in their communication write considerably shorter messages than those written in text. The fact is that a single character could replace phrases and words while typing descriptive texts usually takes more significant effort. When I want to save my time typing my response to friends, I often use the symbol of heart, different gestures, exclamations, question marks, etc., to replace words associated with these symbols.
Nowadays, emojis expand in their scope and range, becoming more varied, flexible, and creative. For example, businesses also apply emojis to make their brands seem more human. I received some packs of emoticons created by brand designers, and sometimes I use some of them in my messages if I think that emotions translated by them are suitable for the context. The company represented in those emoticons achieves its goals because somewhere in my subconsciousness, I will be more willing to buy their products as they become associated with my friends and funny talks.
Both Ingman (2019) and Aritajati (2020) state that people can use emojis to show their personalities. I have some favorite smiles, for example, P47, that I put more often in my messages. In addition, I think that sometimes adding some pictures makes the conversation seem livelier and more interesting.
Avatars
Merriam-Webster Dictionary says avatars are electronic images to represent computer users (Merriam-Webster, n.d., Avatar). In my daily life, I enjoy computer games and use different avatars that rarely represent my body and sex, but in social media, I prefer my actual pictures.
After these reflections on images and symbols that we utilize in electronic communication, I will be more accurate in analyzing the context appropriate for their usage and avoid ambiguous pictures.
References
Aritajati, C. (2020). The role of emojis in generating and responding to critiques of creative work. (Publication No. 23137) [Doctoral dissertation, The Pennsylvania State University]. PennState Electronic Theses and Dissertations for Graduate School.
Ingman, K. R. (2019). Nonverbal communication on the net: Mitigating misunderstanding through the manipulation of text and use of images in computer-mediated communication (Publication No. findlay1557507788275899) [Master’s thesis, The University of Findlay]. OhioLINK Electronic theses & Dissertations Center.
Merriam-Webster. (n.d.). Avatar. In Merriam-Webster.com dictionary. Web.
Merriam-Webster. (n.d.). Emoji. In Merriam-Webster.com dictionary. Web.
Merriam-Webster. (n.d.). Emoticon. In Merriam-Webster.com dictionary. Web.
Seargeant, P. (2019). The Emoji Revolution: How technology is shaping the future of communication. Cambridge University Press.