People subconsciously judge others based on emoji use

The argument

People's emoji use is frequently used to make assumptions about the user's personality and mood. This has real-world implications as it affects choice over who we interact with and how we do so. Issues of accuracy are magnified in studies that show how other factors, such as gender, affect the assumptions being made. For example, a 2019 study by researchers at Southwestern University looked at how the gender of the user affects the conclusions drawn about them. They found that when males use more 'friendly' or 'loving' emojis, they are seen more positively than females sending identical messages. Consequently, there is an inherent bias in the way that emojis are used to draw conclusions about others. These false judgements impact the way people are perceived and therefore, the relationships they have.

Context

Increasingly, research shows that people make assumptions about others based on their emoji use. In turn, this affects the way they interact and behave towards each other.

Premises

Counter-arguments

Several studies have shown that assumptions people make about others based on their emoji use are overwhelmingly accurate. Therefore, rather than fundamentally changing human relationships, emojis simply clarify personality 'types' for their audiences. For example, a 2016 study by researchers at the University of Lancaster found that psychological factors largely determine emoji selection. They also found that there are clear patterns within this. For example, social media users who use 'happy' emojis are more likely to be associated with openness and agreeableness. Importantly, the judgement accuracy of their assumptions was largely correct.

Rejecting the premises

[Rejecting P3] Human relationships are very complex. Emoji use is hardly the only factor that influences perception of others.