Did you know that there are 3,664 emojis in the Unicode Standard and that over 92 percent of the world’s online population use them? Emojis are not just fun additions to messages but can also enhance communication and combat loneliness, particularly among older adults. Despite their widespread use, many older individuals feel uncertain about incorporating emojis into their digital interactions.
A study led by Associate Professor Isabelle Boutet, found that older adults understand emoji meanings but lack confidence in using them. The study suggests emojis, especially positive ones, can improve communication and make positive impressions in intergenerational interactions and fulfil social and emotional needs.<1>
Here are some great resources on interpreting emojis for seniors:
https://blog.hubspot.com/marketing/emoji-meanings
https://www.greatseniorliving.com/articles/interpreting-emojis
<1>Science Direct (2021), Emojis influence emotional communication, social attributions, and information processing