Blogpost written by Vandana Wuluvarana Manmatha and Tushar Chanchlani
Key Points:
- Stronger connections can be built through texting.
- The key isn’t just in the words – it’s in the emojis!
- When both sides align their emoji use, conversations feel warmer and more engaging.
Do emojis really matter?
Imagine texting a friend about exciting news, and they respond with “cool.” Feels flat, right? Now add a 🎉 or 😊 – suddenly, their excitement feels real. Emojis are more than cute add-ons; they’re emotional amplifiers in our digital lives. But do they truly make conversations better? A recent study dives into how emojis influence perceptions of connection and responsiveness in text-based conversations.
The context
Texting is convenient, but it lacks the nonverbal cues – tone, facial expressions, gestures – that make face-to-face (FtF) conversations emotionally rich. Emoji aims to fill that gap, acting as visual stand-ins for emotional signals. However, their impact isn’t as straightforward as it seems. This study by Maureen Coyle and Cheryl Carmichael breaks new ground by asking: When do emojis actually make us feel closer?
How did they figure it out?
The researchers conducted a simple yet clever experiment. Participants disclosed personal stories – one positive and one negative – via text. Their “conversation partners” (actually trained responders) replied with either plain text or emoji-enhanced messages. The participants then rated how responsive and warm their partner seemed.
What did they find?
Here’s where it gets interesting:
- Matching is key: When participants and responders both used emojis – or neither did – the conversation felt more connected and in sync.
- Positivity matters: Emojis made a difference during positive conversations, enhancing warmth and engagement.
- For serious talks? Not so much: Emojis had little impact during discussions about negative events. These include situations like sharing personal struggles, bad news, losses or frustrations, where emojis might come across as insincere or trivializing. Positive conversations, on the other hand, such as celebrating achievements or sharing exciting news, benefited greatly from emoji use. Emojis in these contexts added warmth and enthusiasm, making the exchange feel more supportive and engaging.
Why does this matter?
This isn’t just about sending smiley faces – it’s about understanding how communication works in the digital age. The study shows that alignment in communication styles (like emoji use) creates harmony, much like mirroring body language in FtF chats. But it also warns against overusing emojis in serious or sad moments, where they might come across as inconsiderate.
An interesting Outlook
Wondering when emojis are appropriate to use? Here’s a quick guide to help you decide.
- Casual & Positive Conversations: Emojis are perfect for light, fun chats, like sharing good news or expressing excitement. They add warmth and make your message feel more engaging.
- Mirroring the Other Person: If the other person uses emojis, it’s a good idea to match their style. This creates a connection and makes the conversation feel more in sync.
- Serious or Negative Topics: Emojis can seem out of place when discussing tough or sensitive matters, such as personal struggles or loss. In these cases, stick to words that show empathy and support.
- Keep It Balanced: Don’t overuse emojis. A few well-placed ones can enhance your message, but too many can make it feel cluttered or unclear.
Emojis are a great tool but use them thoughtfully. Match the mood of the conversation and the preferences of the person you’re talking to for the best effect!
Conclusion
So, should you sprinkle emojis everywhere? Not quite. Emojis are powerful tools for building connections, but only when used thoughtfully. Matching your emoji use to your texting partner’s style – and the tone of the conversation – can make your messages feel more personal and engaging. Next time you text, remember: it’s not just what you say, but how you say it. 😎
Want to dive deeper? Check out the paper by Coyle & Carmichael (2019) – Perceived responsiveness in text messaging: The role of emoji use. doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2019.05.023
Image link: https://www.cambridge.org/elt/blog/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/GettyImages-884378360.jpg