Digital communication has become the norm rather than the exception. Digital communication can be effectively enhanced through the use of emojis.

So, what’s an emoji? When I heard this word for the first time I didn’t understand what it was. It has also taken me quite a lot of time to understand some of the Digital pictorials used as emojis. 

An emoji is just a small digital image or icon used to express an idea, emotion, or feeling in electronic communication. It may be used individually or together with a text. An example would be texting or posting online using a smiling face (😊)

Importance of Emojis
Emojis are important because they add emotion and clarity to messages. In particular they:

• Express feelings quickly: Instead of writing “I’m very happy,” you can just add 😊.

• Make communication more human: In texting or emails, it’s easy to sound cold. Emojis help show you’re friendly or joking.

• Avoid misunderstandings: Sometimes words alone can be misunderstood. An emoji can show your real mood.

• Save time and space: A small symbol can replace a whole sentence. This helps save time.

• Make messages more fun and engaging: Emojis brighten up plain text and attract attention.

The importance of Emojis is to make digital communication warmer, faster, and clearer.

Situations where using or not using an emoji changes the meaning of a message

1. Communicating without Emoji
One would say:
• “Good luck with your exam.”
This feels polite but formal or neutral. When Using Emoji
• “Good luck with your exam! ✨”
The addition of this pictorial makes it now feel more cheerful and encouraging.

2. Without Emoji one would say
“That’s just great.” Depending on the tone, this could sound sarcastic. But with Emoji:
“That’s just great! 😊”
The inclusion of a smile emoji shows no sarcasm but real positive meaning

3. Without Emoji someone would say
“I’m sorry.” This sounds sincere, but it could feel somehow distant emotions. However with Emoji
“I’m sorry. 😔” makes it now feel more emotional and caring.

In reality emoji give a tone of voice that plain words sometimes miss.

Emojis and their Meaning

😊 – Smiling face with smiling Eyes. This shows happiness, friendliness, warmth
😂 – Face with tears of joy. It shows that something is really funny
❤️ – Red heart. It indicates love, affection, care
😢 – Crying face. Shows sadness, feeling down
😎 – Smiling face with sunglasses. Shows being cool and confident
🤔- Thinking face. Shows deep thought, or considering something
🙏 –  Folded hands. Pictorial for saying thank you, prayer, or hope
🎉 –  Party Popper. Symbol of celebration, excitement
✨ – Sparkles. It shows magic, positivity, or something special
☹️- Frowning face- this shows disappointment or unhappiness

Emojis used at Work or Office
💼 – Briefcase- shows work, business, or professionalism
🖋️-  Fountain Pen- shows writing, or signing documents
🗂️ – Card Index Dividers- shows organizing files or tasks
🧑‍💻 – Person working on Computer- indicates office work, coding, studying
📈 – Chart Increasing- shows growth, progress, or  success

Emojis are used for several purposes. Can you suggest more and help others understand them?