An iMessage Archive
After discerning what the cultural perspectives were on some basic emoji faces, we wanted to learn how people are actually using these little characters. So we devised our second prompt which was sent to forty-five smartphone users. Thirty participants replied and the results are coded below.
The prompt was carefully designed so participants would use emoji as they might in a natural situation. We first used the smiley emoji as an extension of text. "I hope this finds you well," and I hope this smiley conveys I am well also. The second emoji, the heart, was used to replace the intended word for the phrase, "Love, Ally." This was done so users would not feel inclined to use the emoji in any specific measure.
It seems people are generally inclined to use this emoji to represent general happiness.
Here emoji is used as an extension anchoring the text. The Christmas tree extends the image of decorating for the holiday.
The prayer hands extend the text in a different way, They extend the message saying, these two did me a favor, and I was so grateful.
This last one shows discontent, as the sender is female, and clearly this opinion undermined the prior pleasant surprises she found when she arrived home.
Here we see the "correct" use of the controversial face five, an overly excited smile.
Again this face shows a discontent. The texter clearly did not wish to participate in this event. Without this symbol that tone would not be conveyed in text alone.
Again a general "happy" face. This texter also denotes the message is one deserving of cerebration symbolized by the fireworks and party horn.
Again these images extend the senders meaning. When they discuss spending time with family, the emoji let us know the sender particular enjoyed the meals shared during this period.
The next set of emoji does the same. The sender creates the image to extend the message of their illness, but the second face denotes they are upset about this.
The final images show why this user is upset with a combination of study materials and a perturbed looking face.
The next set of emoji does the same. The sender creates the image to extend the message of their illness, but the second face denotes they are upset about this.
The final images show why this user is upset with a combination of study materials and a perturbed looking face.
Again we see the crying face denoting some very upsetting news
This texter uses face two to establish a sense of agreement.
The second face denotes fun but hard work.
In this case face is used to denote pride.
Interesting as it suits peoples feelings of this face being appropriate for when one receives a compliment.
This user felt they needed the emoji to jazz up their text. Other than generate the image for what they are saying, the emoji doesn't do much to add to this message.
The first emoji denotes both the act of "licking" and also the inner feeling of disgust this user felt.
Here we see face five used in the "I messed up" context.
Here we see face five used in the "I messed up" context.
Again this face seems to be more of the general happiness than face 1 of the Facebook prompt.
This text uses the baby as an extension of their image of "baby" and the proud smile again denotes a happiness to share this news.
The underlying grammar of this face may be beloved peanuts star, Charlie Brown. Here it denotes his famous catch-phrase, "Good grief."
Again general happiness.
This is an interesting face it is used both for blowing on something, and as a non-romantic kiss.
Again a general despair or state of discomfort.
Again general good news.
This wink means "keep this between us."
The sunglasses denote being "shady" since they are keeping this news under their hats.
This is the first time we see "happy" face one in the context suggest by our Facebook prompt.
Again the Christmas emoji extends the imagery associated with the holiday.
Sometimes you really need to know the texter. This is from a man who just got engaged to his partner. This explains the pairs of men. Without knowing the texter this may be difficult to gather as the brides (meant to generally convey "wedding" imagery along with the diamonds ring and romantic kiss face) convoluted the intended meaning.
Again this is a case where the receiver needs to know the texter. Clearly, when analyzing the spelling this sender is not a writer. He is in fact a punk rock musician. He correctly uses face five as an excited grin. Then something interesting happens with his second combination. He puts the toilet and needle together. This creates an objectionable image. He expresses his "I won't submit to your demand" attitude by using emoji that do not have much to do with the text. Though several connotative meanings can be derived from this combination. When I asked his take on his combination he replied, "I was thinking "the Elvis" like needing medical attention on the toilet. Regardless it is clear that some image combos will hold strong and diverse connotations
Ah, the elocution of delivering a joke, here the emoji extends the humor.
Nothing like the Eastern interpretation of this as a symbol of luck.
The smiling poop emoji really works well to solidify the punchline of a poop joke.
Nothing like the Eastern interpretation of this as a symbol of luck.
The smiling poop emoji really works well to solidify the punchline of a poop joke.
Again a user denotes the feeling associated with the news. The sender is "warm and fuzzy" happy, as we see face two appear again. They are also gaga with love over the new addition.
Here we see face four denoting "oh no."
The emoji works almost as a new sentence, "cookies" plus "baby" equals "we're in for it."
The emoji works almost as a new sentence, "cookies" plus "baby" equals "we're in for it."
This is one where emoji again attaches emotion, but in a more poignant way than others.
This is also a case of knowing the texter.
This participants mother struggled for a very long time with muscular dystrophy. The crying face denotes the general feeling of loss, but the other face delivers the many complex emotions the sender is having as a reaction to this heartbreaking news. Sad relief. This is an emotion we rarely express verbally as a culture. But there are times when we find joy and comfort in the end of someone's suffering as we cope with the sadness of our own grief. It is interesting that one little face could tell so much about the current state of the texter.
This is also a case of knowing the texter.
This participants mother struggled for a very long time with muscular dystrophy. The crying face denotes the general feeling of loss, but the other face delivers the many complex emotions the sender is having as a reaction to this heartbreaking news. Sad relief. This is an emotion we rarely express verbally as a culture. But there are times when we find joy and comfort in the end of someone's suffering as we cope with the sadness of our own grief. It is interesting that one little face could tell so much about the current state of the texter.
This is the only person who uses emoji to replace the intended words.
This is an example of one participants eagerness to participate in this research. The sender uses many emoji to hyperbolize her love and her intention to have an abundance of fun in the near future.
Again general happiness is more commonly denoted by this face.
This is the "meh" face. I am not thrilled about this, but life will go on.
The emoji here anchors the text by adding to the message.
I am "dead" with exhaustion, but feeling strong and accomplished in my new business venture.
I am "dead" with exhaustion, but feeling strong and accomplished in my new business venture.
These three emoji combine the senders feelings on the recent performance of their favorite football team. A combination of disappointed face 6, the steaming mad face, and the sad face.