They give emojis a low rating.
Gen Xers and baby boomers understand the meaning behind digital icons, but lack confidence in their ability to use them. New research from University of Ottawa I found it.
“Older users are less likely to use emojis, use fewer emojis, and are more likely to be concerned about their ability to interpret emojis,” lead author Isabel Boutte said in a statement. I understand.”
The study is being called the first “comprehensive survey” of emoji use across generations, including adults over 60. published this month Published in Report on Computers in Human Behavior.
The study notes that the emoji movement gained momentum in the U.S. in 2011 when Apple added an official emoji keyboard to iOS. 700 million emojis are used on Facebook every day, and half of Instagram comments include emojis. statistics show.
The team in Ottawa looked specifically at eight emojis. Three expressed happiness, two expressed sadness, two expressed surprise, and one expressed anger. SWNS report.
240 adults between the ages of 18 and 80 were shown each emoji in random order.
Participants rated how well the emojis conveyed each emotion.
Researchers analyzed frequency, diversity, ease of interpretation, and accuracy of interpretation to understand how age affects emoji use.
The study found that the most difficult emoji for older adults to interpret was the surprised “eyes wide” emoji. This is an emoji that shows a person with wide eyes, eyebrows raised, and a yellow-red face that appears to be at a loss for words.
Even more shocking, the second most difficult category was happiness (includes “smiling face,” “smiling smile,” and “smiling eyes.”)
“This pattern of results leads us to conclude that older users are willing and able to utilize emojis, but lack the confidence and general technology expertise necessary to adapt to this method of communication. ” added Associate Professor Boutte of the same graduate school. psychology.
The research team believes that it is important to promote the use of emojis among older adults, as emojis have the ability to promote interaction between generations.
The hope is that emojis will reduce loneliness and help users of all ages achieve their social and emotional goals.
“Software developers may consider modifying existing emoji menus to make them more usable across generations, for example by creating clear emojis that older users can more easily interpret.” said Mr Boutte.
“Existing community-based programs also need to incorporate training interventions to help older users incorporate emojis into their online interactions,” she continued.
This is not the first academic study of emoji use. Just last month, a study published in the International Journal of Hospitality Management found that customers tip more when servers and restaurant receipts include emojis with tip suggestions. .
