Abstract:
Technology has transformed communication patterns in the digital era,
with emojis emerging as pivotal tools for conveying emotions, actions, and
objects in digital interactions. Emojis are pictorial icons that express emotions
and actions. While prior studies explore emojis as emotional aids, few examine
gender-based differences in their usage among undergraduate populations.
This study aims to investigate how male and female undergraduates employ
emojis, focusing on preferences, contextual use, frequency, and perceived
functional roles in text-based communication. Using a mixed-methods
approach, the researcher collected quantitative and qualitative data via a
structured questionnaire administered to 100 final-year students including 50
males and 50 females from Eastern University, Sri Lanka. The questionnaire
included closed-ended questions (e.g., Likert-scale responses on emoji
frequency, types) and open-ended questions (e.g., subjective interpretations
of emoji use in professional vs. casual contexts). Random sampling ensured
equal gender representation. Data were analyzed to identify gendered patterns
in emoji usage, revealing the following distinctions. Females predominantly
use heart emojis and facial expressions in informal conversations, viewing
emojis as essential for clarity. Males favor symbols such as thumbs up and
smileys, often deploying a single emoji to replace words or emphasize points,
while considering them optional. Both genders avoid emojis in professional
communication. The study highlights how gender shapes undergraduates’
emoji usage for emotional expression and social negotiation offering insights
into youth digital communication trends.
