Emojis Influence Emotion Communication and Trait Perceptions When Judging Others' Online Interactions

Abstract

In face-to-face (FtF) communication, facial expressions provide information on the emotional state and personality traits of individuals. These effects are not only seen when interacting directly with another person but also when viewing others interacting with each other. We examined whether emojis play similar roles in text-based exchanges on digital platforms. Participants (N =177) viewed two people exchanging via text. Person A initiated the exchange, and Person B responded in either an agreeable or disagreeable manner. In half of the agreeable exchanges, Person B's messages were accompanied by a positive emoji, and in half of the disagreeable exchanges, Person B's messages were accompanied by a negative emoji. Exchanges were couched in a personal, professional, or romantic context. We measured trait perceptions of agreeableness and perceptions of the emotional state of Person B. Emojis magnified both perceptions of (dis)agreeableness and perceptions of the emotional state of Person B. Social context had no effect, suggesting that the effect of emojis is consistent across social contexts. We conclude that emojis play a similar role in digital communication as facial expressions do in FtF communication, though with some differences.