Interpretation of Emoji-Only Messages by Message Producers and Receivers

Abstract

Emoji play a significant role in mutual communication. It was seen that emoji might carry different meanings depending on groups or cultures, although they are considered as a language valid for everyone. This study investigated how individuals responded to the questions directed to them using emoji, how they described the basic emotions, and what the individuals who read these messages understood. The study consisted of two stages. At the first stage, the participants were asked to respond to 10 questions, for which answers with concrete and abstract contents were sought, by using first emoji-only and then only text. Moreover, they were requested to express the eight basic emotions they were shown only with emoji. The participants also determined a satisfaction level for the emoji responses. At the second stage, a different group of participants scored the satisfaction levels by displaying the question. It was found out that a message consisting of emoji might be evaluated by the receiver in a different way, even if it has been created with a high satisfaction level.