By Milcah Tanimu
Emojis, those tiny, expressive symbols, have revolutionized the way we convey emotions and messages in the online world. Here are five fascinating facts about emojis that you might not have known:
1. Japanese Origins
Emojis have their roots in Japan, where they emerged in the late 1990s. The term “emoji” is a blend of two Japanese words, “e” (picture) and “moji” (character). Initially, these symbols were simple pictographs designed to enrich the meaning of text messages. Over time, they evolved into a diverse set of symbols representing various emotions, objects, and activities. In 2023, Japan continued to lead the world in emoji usage, with nearly 526 million mentions in the first half of the year, as reported by Brandwatch.
2. Inclusion in the Oxford Dictionary
Emojis have become so influential that in 2015, the Oxford Dictionaries recognized the “face with tears of joy” emoji 😂 as the Word of the Year. This acknowledgment underscores the significant impact of emojis on communication, underscoring their cultural and social significance.
3. Positive Impact on Mental Health
Research has indicated that emojis can positively affect mental health. Using emojis to express emotions in text messages or social media posts can enhance emotional expression, facilitating communication of feelings, particularly in sensitive or challenging situations.
4. 😭: The Internet’s Favorite Emoji
In 2023, a survey by Brandwatch revealed that the “loudly crying emoji” is the internet’s favorite emoji. This versatile emoji is commonly used to convey various emotions, including joy, surprise, and even laughter. On the flip side, the “thumbs up” 👍 emoji is often perceived as making users look older and is the least favorite, especially among Generation Z users.
5. World Emoji Day: July 17
July 17 has been designated as World Emoji Day, a celebration of the universal language of emojis and their capacity to convey emotions, ideas, and messages across diverse cultures and languages. It’s a day to embrace the colorful world of emojis and their role in our digital interactions.
Which of these facts surprised you the most?
