The Rise of Person Emojis: How They’ve Changed Online Communication
Since their inception in the late 1990s, emojis have become a staple in our digital communication. As we rely more on messaging apps and social media to stay connected, emojis have become an essential part of our online conversations. However, in recent years we’ve seen a rise in the use of “person emojis,” which depict human features and emotions. In this article, we’ll explore the evolution of person emojis and how they’ve changed the way we communicate online.
The Evolution of Emojis
Emojis were first created in Japan, but it wasn’t until Apple introduced them to the iPhone in 2011 that they truly took off. Since then, emojis have expanded from simple smiley faces and hearts to include a vast array of animals, objects, and symbols. However, it was the introduction of the “person emoji” that truly changed the game.
The first person emoji was introduced in 2012 and depicted a man walking. Since then, we’ve seen a significant expansion in the number of person emojis available. Today, we have options for skin tone, hair color, and gender, making person emojis more diverse and inclusive than ever before.
Why Person Emojis Matter
At first glance, person emojis may seem like a trivial addition to our digital lexicon. However, research has shown that they play an important role in our online communication.
Studies have found that people who use emojis tend to be seen as friendlier and more approachable than those who don’t. Person emojis, in particular, have been shown to increase social connection and empathy in online communication. When we use person emojis, we’re able to convey emotions more clearly, creating a stronger bond with the person on the other end of the conversation.
The Impact on Diversity and Representation
One of the most significant benefits of person emojis is their ability to promote diversity and representation. With options for skin tone and gender, we’re able to more accurately represent the people we’re communicating with. This is especially important for people who may feel underrepresented in traditional media. Person emojis allow us to create a more inclusive online space and foster a greater sense of belonging.
However, there’s still room for improvement. While person emojis have made significant strides in promoting diversity and representation, there are still gaps in their representation of certain groups. For example, there are currently no emojis depicting people with disabilities. As we continue to evolve our communication practices, it’s crucial that we consider the impact on all members of our community.
Conclusion
Person emojis have become an integral part of our online communication. Their ability to convey emotions and promote social connection has cemented their place in our digital lexicon. As we continue to use them, it’s essential that we understand their impact on diversity and representation and work towards creating a more inclusive online space. By doing so, we can create a more empathetic and connected digital world.
