Written by Harshini Sasikumar | Edited by Danica Kwan
Photo by ROMAN ODINTSOV
In today’s digital age, emojis have become an essential part of communication and emotional expression. Used by 92% of online users [1], they are found on most—if not all—digital platforms (and sometimes as the main characters in a movie). Not only do they enrich online conversations, but the tiny icons can have a surprisingly huge impact on our emotional and mental health. Recent studies explore both positive and negative psychological outcomes of emoji use based on two principles: emotional expression and suppression.
Emotional expression and the acceptance of negative emotions facilitate social support, reduces stress, and increases wellness [2]. Contrarily, emotional suppression lowers sociability and increases the risk of negative physiological and psychological health outcomes [2]. Considering that emojis foster emotional expression, tracking one’s usage can serve as a predictor of wellness. In a 2022 study by the University of Michigan, researchers analyzed whether emoji use in digital interactions between employees predicted dropout rates during remote work. They discovered that those who frequently use emojis to represent their emotions (positive or negative) showed better emotional health and were less likely to drop out [3]. During COVID-19, burnout rates were high and a virtual work environment made it challenging to assess the group’s mental condition. By tracking employees’ emoji use, firms can identify emotional states beforehand, provide needed resources, and improve collaboration—a win-win for both parties [3].
Emojis are substantially useful in healthcare as well. They can be used to ease doctor-patient communication especially when language barriers are present. Specific ways emojis help are by simplifying medical terminologies or symptoms, improving the accuracy of mental health assessments, and fostering health-conscious behaviors like hand-washing [4]. As a result, medical staff can identify a patient’s needs more quickly and provide the necessary assistance. This can improve overall efficiency, quality of care, and patient satisfaction.
Despite the positives, emoji use is voluntary and may not be a true reflection of one’s emotions. Recent research in Japan shows using positive emojis in digital conversations increased positive feelings but also masked negative feelings. When messaging immediate social circles such as friends and family, emojis were used to make oneself sound more friendly, less hurtful, and more socially appropriate [5]. The study explains: if you are given a gift you do not like, the socially acceptable reaction would be to smile and appreciate it. Concealing “inappropriate” emotions to manage them is done through emojis as well—especially in Eastern and collectivist cultures like Japan. Though this mechanism is needed in social situations to avoid pressure and increase harmony, the behavior was slightly connected to depressive symptoms [5]. Depending on the context, intensity and one’s ability to manage the negative emotion, masking or habitual suppression could be detrimental to mental health [2]. Ultimately, emojis are most beneficial when used to enhance emotional expression and accept negative emotions (not suppress them!) whether that is in personal relationships, workplace interactions, or healthcare settings.
References:
1. Daniel, J. (2021). Emoji Frequency. Unicode. Accessed 2/11/2023.
5. Liu, M. (2023) Are you really smiling? Display rules for emojis and the relationship between emotion management and psychological well-being. Frontiers Psychology, 14. 1-16.