Research suggests that using emojis to communicate is a sign of emotional intelligence. According to a study, individuals who use emojis more frequently in their chats with friends and family are more in touch with their feelings and better reflect their personalities. Women were found to use emojis more often and believed they understood them better. On the other hand, anxious or private individuals were less comfortable using emojis. The way individuals interact during virtual communications may reveal something about themselves, as emojis can convey meaning and help communicate more effectively.
In a US-based study, 320 participants were questioned about their backgrounds and the messages they sent. Those who were more confident in their emoji usage displayed emotional intelligence and a strong understanding of the feelings of the people they were connecting with. Psychologist Dr. Simon Dubé explained that emojis meet a need for non-verbal support in the absence of face-to-face communication cues. The research suggested that people often use emojis to reduce uncertainty, modulate the tone of a message, or increase the precision of their communication.
Men and women were found to have contrasting approaches to emoji usage. Men tended to use a wider range of emoji types, while women used emojis more frequently and positively, including in public versus private communications. Women also perceived their use of emojis as clearer and more familiar. People with avoidant personalities, often stemming from emotionally distant parents, were more likely to stick to words instead of using emojis. This behavior may lead to difficulties in forming close relationships, as those uncomfortable with closeness or intimacy may distance themselves from emotional conveyance in computer communications.
According to Dr. Dubé from the Kinsey Institute, emojis play a crucial role in modern communication, with billions being sent every day. Among the most popular emojis are laughing faces, hearts, and thumbs-ups. Emojis are not just a simple smiley face or heart symbol, but a way to convey meaning and connect emotionally with others. The research findings suggest that individuals who are more comfortable with using emojis in their online communications demonstrate higher emotional intelligence and are more adept at understanding the feelings of others. Emoji usage can serve to reduce uncertainty, modulate message tone, and enhance the precision of communication.
