Encoding Digital Discourse: Exploring Gender-Specific Emoji Preferences and Their Interpretation in Digital Communication

Abstract

The current study sought to figure out emoji preference and how females and males use emojis in messaging platforms. The study explores gender-specific emoji preferences and usage patterns, examining differences in emoji selection and substitution for words or letters between genders. The sample comprised 124 students (male=66; Female=58), with a mean age of 26 years, taken through google form by using convenience sampling technique. Due to the qualitative research design, Data was collected through an adaptive questionnaire by Jönköping University. A sampling methodology was used to gather data to analyze gender differences in emoji usage preferences. The survey findings revealed that males use more emojis than females. Participants' reasons for using emojis in instant messaging differed between genders; females used them to illustrate a state of emotion, while males used them for easy, fun, and quick. The study supports previous research suggesting that people prefer using emojis over words. The greater gender difference was found in emojis preference among respondents. This research is distinctive due to its large sample size, which enhances its generalizability compared to previous studies. Future research should consider including more developed items in questionnaires to influence participant responses and potentially lead to different outcomes.