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Have emojis changed the world? Have emojis changed the world?
Yes, emojis have transformed human relationships. Yes, emojis have transformed human relationships.
No, the impact of emojis is exaggerated. No, the impact of emojis is exaggerated.
No, the impact of emojis is limited to communication. No, the impact of emojis is limited to communication.
Yes, emojis have far-reaching social implications. Yes, emojis have far-reaching social implications.
Emojis define and restrict emotional range in communication Emojis define and restrict emotional range in communication
Emojis have created new brain patterns in humans which help decode meaning Emojis have created new brain patterns in humans which help decode meaning
People subconsciously judge others based on emoji use People subconsciously judge others based on emoji use
Emojis are a byproduct of the Digital Revolution's efficiency Emojis are a byproduct of the Digital Revolution's efficiency
Emojis are a subsidiary of mainstream communication and language Emojis are a subsidiary of mainstream communication and language
Emoji use reflects the contexts and identities of their users. Emoji use reflects the contexts and identities of their users.
Emojis are a response to real world events Emojis are a response to real world events
Emojis are reminiscent of archaic ancient hieroglyphics and their use Emojis are reminiscent of archaic ancient hieroglyphics and their use
Emojis have contributed to lower levels of literacy. Emojis have contributed to lower levels of literacy.
Emojis are simply non-verbal cues in online communication. Emojis are simply non-verbal cues in online communication.
Emojis now influence our courts. Emojis now influence our courts.
Emojis have established a new axis of power within the Unicode Consortium Emojis have established a new axis of power within the Unicode Consortium
Emojis are used by businesses to expand their customer base Emojis are used by businesses to expand their customer base
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Have emojis changed the world?
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No, the impact of emojis is exaggerated.

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Emojis are a response to real world events

Emojis are created as a response to real world trends and events
emojis emoticon google language politics smiley technology unicode
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Context

New emojis are introduced into Unicode every year. These are decided by the Unicode Consortium, which selects new images based on relevance to a global audience.

The Argument

Emojis are introduced based on their relevance to global populations. They are therefore entirely context-dependent, and intended to reflect the world we live in, rather than to influence or lead it. For example, in 2015, the Unicode Consortium shifted away from the homogenous 'white-washed' yellow skin tone. The group introduced an additional five 'skin' shades to diversify the range, and be more racially inclusive to users. This was a response to growing movements for action against racism (and other forms of discrimination) within tech.

Counter arguments

Emojis may reflect trends in attitudes, but in popularising these they serve a much broader purpose. They popularise and spread these changing cultural attitudes by virtue of being so widely used.

Premises

[P1] New emojis are introduced annually [P2] Emoji selection is based on how relevant they are to a global audience [P3] Relevance is based on critical trends and attitudes that have shifted since the previous selection

Rejecting the premises

[Rejecting P2] Emoji selection is based on far more than world events. For example, it is also based on data around use of existing emojis and how people are using them.

References

This page was last edited on Wednesday, 4 Dec 2019 at 15:44 UTC

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