The Los Angeles Post
U.S. World Business Lifestyle
Today: February 19, 2025
Today: February 19, 2025

Study finds hidden meaning behind those emojis you send

finds hidden meaning behind those emojisNew research reveals frequent emoji users demonstrate higher emotional intelligence, challenging perceptions of casual communication.
December 05, 2024
Pooja Mamnoor - LA Post

A new study from Indiana University reveals that individuals who frequently use emojis in their texts typically demonstrate higher levels of emotional intelligence.

The research, published in the journal Plos One, examined the relationship between emoji usage, emotional intelligence, and attachment styles among 320 adults in their mid-30s. "This is the first study to examine emoji use in tandem with key individual characteristics related to people's communication abilities and interpersonal relationships," the research team stated in their findings.

The study found that participants who regularly incorporated emojis into their messages showed enhanced abilities in understanding, perceiving, and managing both their own emotions and those of others. This correlation was particularly strong in communications with close friends and romantic partners.

Research data indicated that women use emojis more frequently than men to communicate with friends and family. Additionally, individuals with secure attachment styles, characterized by healthy relationship patterns and emotional stability, demonstrated higher rates of emoji usage in their digital conversations.

Conversely, the study identified that people with avoidant attachment styles, who typically prioritize independence over emotional intimacy, used fewer emojis in their communications. This pattern was especially pronounced among women with high levels of avoidant attachment in their interactions with friends and romantic partners.

Daily usage statistics underscore the global significance of emoji communication, with more than 10 billion emojis sent worldwide each day. "The way we interact during virtual communications may reveal something more about ourselves," the researchers noted. "It is not just a smiley face or heart emoji: it is a way to convey meaning and communicate more effectively, and how you use it tells us something about you."

The research team acknowledged limitations in their study, noting that participants were predominantly white, educated, married, and English-speaking heterosexual United States residents. They recommended future studies encompass more diverse populations and examine specific emoji types, accompanying message content, and cross-gender communication patterns.

Share This