In a recent release, Whatsapp introduced emojis reactions to the chat messages.
This may look like an incremental update, but for me atleast, this is an important feature. This also shows how Emojis continue to drive our engagement on different social platforms.
The new update, for me, saves a lot of spam in groups. It’s someone’s birthday, everyone reacting with Clap, or giving a thumbs up to new pictures shared and all.
Here is my attempt at the evolution of the digital messaging:
Early Emails:
I remember how our email use to sound like a letter, when we started:
Hi Gaurav,
Hope this email finds you in all pink of health.
- -
Waiting for your reply.
Yours loving friend,
Era of SMS (Short Message Service):
In India, there was a phase of SMS services. 160-word messages, served as a medium for forwarding jokes.
Since even a character, more or less, would cost you two SMS (e.g., for 161 words), we were mindful of that.
Words shortened:
Thank you - Thx
Because - bcz
The Smartphone/ Gs Era:
The Gs Evolution and arrival of Android: 2G/3G/4G and onward
The Apps culture and era of smartphones started complemented by improved Internet (2G/3G onwards).
Many messaging services arrived, however, WhatsApp for its simplicity and ability to work in low network areas became a household app in India in no time.
Social media added to our dictionary words like ROFL, LOL, etc.
In ~2016, the Emoji supports were introduced.
History of Emojis:
The first set of emoji was released in 1999 and was created by their Japanese originator Shigetaka Kurita (yes). “Emoji” is a transliteration of the Japanese word yes (e=picture) 文 (mo=write) 字 (ji=character)[8]. They are graphic symbols with predefined names and code (Unicode), which can represent not only facial expressions, abstract concepts and emotions/feelings, but also animals, plants, activities, gestures/body parts, and objects
Chatting apps have evolved from 1:1 chat to Group chats, Audio/ Video calls in groups.
Groups are now an important component and I guess almost everyone is part of more than one group. We share our small achievements, local news to topics to debate etc.
What kind of Apps shall keep Emoji support in mind?
Editing tools and creator apps.
Reviews - Try the popular emojis other than old 1-5 and long responses. (They already use thumb for vote/ downvote)
Other popular alternatives:
Gifs
Stickers
Memes
Positives:
I see them breaking boundaries of pronunciation and vocabulary. Those who were hesitant to type anything can react easily.
Saves time, and adds emotional value rather than k, ok, good,
Negatives:
Same emojis may convey different meanings to two different individuals.
Sometimes, the reactions go unnoticed, particularly, if there are lots of them.
There is no defined boundary or usage.
I always believe the way we communicate will continue to evol
If you enjoyed reading this post, drop your most used emoji, gif or memes (that audience can relate) in the comments section.
I will be [Your HAPPY EMOJI here] to read them.
References:
Follow me on LinkedIn: Gaurav Dubey | LinkedIn
Medium: gdubey.medium.com
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