Emojis have become incredibly popular, but their meanings can vary greatly between different age groups.
Generational differences are evident in many areas, including fashion, music preferences, and speech patterns.
Emojis, a staple of recent technological advancements, also reflect a generational gap in their usage and interpretation.
The way a parent communicates through text is likely different from how a teenager interacts in a group chat.
A recent focus has been on the differing perceptions of the smiley face emoji.
While it seems harmless, some members of Generation Z view it as unwelcome in text messaging.
Hafeezat Bishi, 21, shared her experience with the Wall Street Journal, noting how her new colleagues used the smiley face emoji when she joined a new workplace.
While many intend to convey friendliness or a lighthearted tone, it doesn’t always translate that way across generations.
Bishi remarked, “I had to remember they are older, because I use it sarcastically,” regarding her co-workers’ usage. “There are so many emojis, and Gen Z can never take things in a simple manner.”
Hailey Francisco, 18, also spoke to the Wall Street Journal about receiving texts with a smiley face from her coach during her sophomore cheerleading season at Eastlake High School in Washington.
“It wasn’t until the whole team was at a basketball game together, someone told her that the smiley seemed passive-aggressive,” Francisco explained.
After being informed, the coach switched to using a blushing smiley emoji instead.
Ellie York, 23, offered insight to the Independent about why her generation might be uneasy about this emoji.
She explained, “There is definitely a more sinister passive-aggressive or sarcastic side [to the smiley emoji].
“I think it’s the eyes. It’s got an ‘oh really’ expression,” she elaborates. “People my age who use emojis tend to use this in conversations with each other, not as a happy response, but in a more sarcastic or ironic sense.”
So, consider adjusting your emoji use… or don’t. Ultimately, it might not significantly impact your life, if we’re being honest.