Communication in the internet age now goes far beyond simply sending a text message!!
Checking your social media feeds or text messages… how many smiling faces, flying hearts, moons and unicorns are you seeing??
These iconic little Japanese images, known as emoji, are more popular on the internet today than ever – so it’s only right they have their own special day.
This day is recognised on 17 July! World Emoji Day is a date that validates our obsession with these ubiquitous graphic icons.
Although they sometimes seem silly, according to various psychologists and researchers, they can play a vital role in how we communicate today. In fact, the Oxford Dictionary Word of the Year for 2015 was the emoji “?”.
They convey the expression a person has at that moment, giving an idea of how they are reacting to the conversation!!
Pick up your phones and send all the emoticons you want to your friends today – it’s a healthy obsession. ?
HOW TO CELEBRATE WORLD EMOJI DAY
1. Have a conversation using only emojis
Challenge your knowledge of emoticons by sending a message made up entirely of emojis with your best friend. See how much you can understand using only these wonderful icons!!!
2. Create your own emojis
You can turn your favourite photos into shareable emojis using various apps and online tools. You can finally turn that favourite photo of your dog or cat into an emoji (since we know you send lots of photos of them anyway)!
3. Use your favourite emoticon
Create your own custom emoji t-shirt or buy one from an online supplier (check Amazon for some ideas). Your favourite emoji could become your new favourite t-shirt.
WHY WE LOVE WORLD EMOJI DAY
A. They have become a new universal language
Language comes in many forms, and one of the oldest types of language is visual symbols. Emojis are unique because they are visual symbols that help enhance our written language. They can replace entire words or phrases and still be understood.
B. We love receiving “emojis”
Emojis were originally created as a way to symbolise emotions with images. Similar to punctuation, they express emotion through irony or humour and even suggest tone of voice or body language in text-based communication. They trigger emotional responses in people, which can make us more empathetic. Basically, as we get better at identifying our own emotions, we also get better at feeling others’ emotions. It seems “emojiional empathy” is a trend.
C. They help us when words fail
Emojis help us understand things better visually when things can get lost in translation through words. In the Internet Age, emojis help us communicate better and faster. Let's face it, they're cute and addictive to use, but they serve a much greater purpose. Emojis improve our ability to communicate effectively with others and make conversation more fluid and perceptible… When in doubt, emojiiiiii.
