Creating an emotional world in cyberspace with emoticons
As computer technology developed and the Internet grew, emoticons had limited use. In the early years of Internet communication, people were just beginning to learn clever abbreviations and the use of text symbols to convey emotion. Most people wrote expressive dialogue with complete sentences. Gradually a switch was made to simple text messages. As social networking sites developed, a new language began to develop. As this new language developed, the need to express human emotions grew. It was then that emoticons experienced a surge in popularity.
Emoticons are considered the pioneers of emotionalism on the Internet. Cyberspace was no longer a sterile place devoid of human emotions. Emoticons are a mainstay in this emotionally developing world of cyber communication.
The invasion of emotion icons
Today, emoticons are the favorite among users of social networks. Currently written language has been reduced to a series of abbreviations. Emotional symbols are a useful tool for conveying human emotions in the world of shorthand text. People no longer communicate with well-crafted sentences. On social networking sites, short and sweet is preferred over long and long. Emoticons are a crucial element in social media communications. Symbols widely used in instant messaging forums. Instant messaging is essentially real-time online chat. Many popular social sites allow users to chat with each other using a chat box. Emoticons are used to convey emotions without having to write a detailed message explaining a person’s current state of mind or well-being.
The emoticons are cleverly adaptable and manage to keep up with today’s technology. It was only a matter of time before these iconic little figures invaded cell phones. While cell phones are convenient, phones are rarely used for conversations that involve the use of the vocal cords. The preferred method of communication on cell phones is with a small keyboard. Unbelievably, people prefer to tap cryptic messages on a miniature keyboard rather than use verbal communication. Emoticons are used to further emphasize the skillful art of texting.
So many emotion icons have been established in the text message directories. If you’re not sure what a text message icon means, simply visit one of the many text message directories to find out what it means. These icons have managed to find their way into most forms of communication today. Even the business world is not immune to these fanciful characters.
Emoticons have become so familiar and widely used; the business world has begun to accept them. Many people use text icons in emails at work. However, its use is usually limited to emails between co-workers. It would be inappropriate to send professional emails to clients that contain the use of icons. Many people rely on emotion icons in emails to prevent misunderstandings. Emails cannot convey the tone of verbal communication. In addition, many misunderstandings have been caused by a poorly worded email. Many people lack sufficient writing skills to develop an elaborate email effectively. In most cases, people rarely have time to reflect on whether they will understand all the sentences they write. Emails are crafted in a matter of minutes. It’s almost like there’s a race to hit the submit button. Many email writers use emoticons because the icons are quick and easy to use.
Unfortunately, many young people have become accustomed to using smileys and text messages. Many HR professionals have reported the use of both on resumes. Also, schoolteachers have reported its use in essays and exams. While many employees may use emoticons and texting slang in emails to coworkers, it’s still considered inappropriate in professional correspondence, such as job applications. Also, these symbols are not acceptable in professional business correspondence. A seller or client does not want to receive a letter dotted with icons. Emoticons are useful in the business world; however, its use should be limited to the employee email system.
Evolution of emotions icons
While emoticons can be built with one or three keystrokes, many people turn to animated emoticons. Text emoticons are still used in cell phone text messages, however, due to the popularity of their use, many cell phone companies have developed animated icons. Also, many programs allow you to download animated icons. With the click of a button, you can have a happy face emoticon that smiles with a thumbs up or rolls its eyes with the classic “whatever”.
Smiley emoticons are now considered a classic. While these emoticons are still popular, they have changed. These little characters have developed legs, hands and hair. Many programs allow you to customize emoticons. You can add hats, clothes, jewelry and change the color of the eyes. Customizing these icons is a creative form of expression in the virtual world. Emoticons have become as diverse as the world’s population.
Almost every Internet culture has developed its own emoticons. The smiley face is an international symbol and has been adapted to represent many cultures, including Mexican, Irish, Asian, Australian, and more. Emoticons evolved from a simple use of colons and parentheses to stylish fun icons.
Today’s modern smileys can talk, sing and laugh. Emoticons are no longer limited to smiley faces. Almost any icon or character that expresses a human emotion is considered an emoticon. Many different shapes include puppies, cats, aliens, and dancing bananas. In the online world, these icons electronically convey human emotion in a whimsical way and are limited only by human imagination. Anyone can create emoticons using online software programs dedicated to creating these eclectic icons.
The evolution of emoticons continues. These characters will continue to change as technology changes. If you accept that Scott Fahlman is the original creator of the emoticon, these iconic characters will soon be 30 years old. As emoticons continue to develop, no one knows what the next generation of emoticons will look like. Rest assured, these emoticons will continue to help humans express their emotions in the cyber world.
The way people communicate has changed significantly since Scott Fahlman wrote his first smileys on the computer. Most likely, he had no idea that the little symbol would conquer a generation and become an important communication tool. For the younger generation, emoticons are an important tool for self-expression.
Emoticons are meant to be silly and fun. It is a simple way to express emotions in cyberspace. However, it should not replace the artistry and creativity of written language. It seems as if we are returning to the use of symbols instead of eloquently written words. While emoticons can enhance casual banter online, they have no real-world application.
Emoticons are perfectly acceptable in online chats and social networking sites. However, its use is not acceptable in the professional world other than in informal emails. Symbols should not be used to enhance a resume and should never be used when completing a job application. This is a humorous tool to convey human emotions in an impersonal online world. Emoticons will continue to be part of the virtual world.