Volume 15, Number 3

The Role of Emojis in Digital Communication: Emotional Expression, Demographic and Social Dynamics Among Young Adults on Whatsapp

  Authors

Malini Mahalingam and Lakshmi Priya Daniel, University of Madras, India

  Abstract

This research studies the research studies the significant role of emojis in digital communication, especially focusing on their impact on emotional expression, demographic variables and social dynamics among young adults using WhatsApp. Digital communication has transformed interpersonal interactions, with emojis emerging as vital tools for expressing emotions and tone in text-based platforms like WhatsApp, influencing social interactions and communication. This study employed a cross-sectional design with convenience sampling to survey 130 college students aged 18–25. A structured questionnaire assessed demographic variables, WhatsApp usage patterns, and perceptions of emojis. Majority (90%) of the participants were aged 18–22, with male users (74.6%) and urban users (80%) dominating the sample. Most participants used WhatsApp several times daily (72.3%), with high engagement in emojis (93.1%), reflecting their role in enhancing message clarity and emotional connection. Gender differences were observed in the motivations for emoji usage, while age and locality factors had limited associations with usage patterns. The analysis revealed high engagement with emojis for emotional expression and message enhancement, alongside occasional challenges in conveying nuanced emotions. Participants expressed the benefits of emojis in improving clarity and fostering emotional connections, though some inconsistencies in interpretation were reported. The study effectively addressed its aim by providing insights into the interplay between emotional expression and emoji usage, emphasizing their growing importance in shaping social interactions in digital communication environments.

  Keywords

Emojis, Digital communication, WhatsApp, Young adults, Emotional expression, Social dynamics, Demographics