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Emojis at risk of extinction: the evolution of digital communication

Emojis have revolutionized how we communicate on digital platforms, allowing us to express emotions and ideas in a simple and visual way. However, just like words, emojis also follow trends. Some, which once dominated our conversations, are now at ri

09 September, 2024 Webhouse.pt Webhouse.pt Webhouse.pt

Emojis have revolutionized how we communicate on digital platforms, allowing us to express emotions and ideas in a simple and visual way. However, just like words, emojis also follow trends. Some, which once dominated our conversations, are now at risk of extinction. This phenomenon reveals a lot about the evolution of online communication and the cultural changes that influence our daily interactions.

Disappearing emojis: what are they?

According to a recent report by Superside, several previously popular emojis are falling out of favor, leaving us to question their future in our messages. The study “The Emoji Report: Which emojis are going extinct?” analyzed the use and search volume of the top 100 emojis worldwide, revealing that some are disappearing off the radar.

1. The “ok hand” symbol ????

This emoji, which was once widely used to express approval or agreement, tops the list of endangered emojis, having fallen 66 places in the popularity ranking since 2013. Its association with hate groups in certain contexts has also contributed to its decline.

2. Blushing face ????

A symbol of shyness or mild embarrassment, the blushing face, once a common choice, is losing ground to more expressive or neutral emojis.

3. Person raising their hands ????

This emoji, used to celebrate victories or express approval, has seen a significant drop in use and has been replaced by more modern alternatives.

4. Smiling face ????

Surprisingly, the classic “smiley face” emoji is among the most endangered, especially in countries like the US, UK and Slovakia. Its simplicity no longer seems to captivate the younger generations.

5. Face screaming with fear ????

Inspired by Edvard Munch's famous painting “The Scream”, this emoji is disappearing, especially in Europe, where it has seen an almost 47% decrease in use.

What is causing this extinction?

The drop in popularity of these emojis is due to several factors. On the one hand, the predominance of newer and more diverse emojis has led to the disuse of older ones. On the other hand, some emojis, such as the “ok hand” symbol, have suffered a decline due to negative associations with hate groups, leading to a general lack of interest.

In addition, Generation Z, which grew up in a very different digital environment, considers certain emojis old-fashioned or “too millennial”, preferring more innovative and up-to-date alternatives. This generational shift in the perception and use of emojis reflects how quickly digital language evolves.

The emojis we choose to use in our communications say a lot about our cultural influences and digital trends. As technology and cultural preferences change, it's only natural that some emojis become relics of the past. Being aware of these changes is essential to maintaining relevant and effective digital communication.

Do you want to ensure that your digital communication is always up to date and in tune with the latest trends? Webhouse offers digital marketing solutions to optimize your business's communication on the web. Visit our website and find out more.

The internet develops and renews itself in micro seconds, making today's truth, information out of date in minutes, hours or days. All information in this article is valid and current on the date of publication.

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