July 17th is World Emoji Day

Emojis can be used in marketing to humanize brands, enhance engagement, and deliver messages succinctly. They can be particularly effective in email subject lines, social media posts, and ad campaigns to draw attention and evoke emotional responses. With that said, in professional settings, it’s best to use emojis sparingly and only when the context allows. Stick to universally understood emojis, avoid anything that could be interpreted differently, and always consider the professional tone.

1. What is the origin of emojis?
   Emojis were first created in Japan in the late 90s by a man named Shigetaka Kurita. He wanted to develop a way for people to convey information and emotions in a simple and fun way, and thus, emojis were born!
2. What is the correct interpretation of certain emojis?
   Interpretations can vary based on context and personal or cultural usage. If you’re ever in doubt, there are many online resources, like Emojipedia, where you can look up the general meanings.
3. Why are there different emojis on different platforms?
   Different platforms, like Apple, Google, and Twitter, have their own design language, so emojis often have slight variations in appearance, though they convey the same meaning.
4. How can I add new emojis to my keyboard?
   Your device usually updates the emoji keyboard automatically when the operating system is updated. If you’re looking for specific emojis, you might want to try a third-party keyboard app that offers a wide range of emojis.
5. What is the process behind the creation and approval of new emojis?
   The Unicode Consortium, a non-profit organization, oversees the creation of new emojis. Proposals are submitted by anyone and are then reviewed and approved based on factors like demand, uniqueness, and usability.
6. Can I create my own custom emojis?
   Absolutely! There are many apps and online platforms that allow you to create custom emojis. However, these may not be universally recognized or usable across all platforms.
7. Why do some emojis look different on different devices or operating systems?
   Each tech company designs their own set of emojis to fit their brand style and aesthetic, which can lead to minor differences in appearance across devices and operating systems. But don’t worry, the meaning remains the same!
8. What are the most popularly used emojis and what do they signify?
   Popular emojis often include the face with tears of joy, red heart, and thumbs up emojis. They signify joy, love, and approval respectively. However, usage trends can change over time and differ across cultures.
9. Are there any cultural differences in the usage and interpretation of emojis?
   Absolutely! Just as language varies, so does emoji use. What might be a positive emoji in one culture could have a completely different connotation in another. Always be mindful of this when communicating across cultures.
10. What’s the difference between an emoji and an emoticon?
    An emoticon is a text-based representation of an expression, like “:)”. An emoji, on the other hand, is a digital image used to represent an emotion, object, or idea.
11. What do the different color or race options for emojis mean?
    Emojis with different skin tones promote diversity and inclusivity, allowing people to represent themselves more accurately. These options, introduced by the Unicode Consortium, aim to make emojis universally relevant.
12. Are there any rules or etiquette for using emojis in communication?
    While there aren’t strict rules, good etiquette suggests using emojis in a context-appropriate manner. In professional settings, it’s usually best to use them sparingly. In personal communication, it’s important to be mindful of how the recipient might interpret them.
13. Why do some emojis have multiple meanings?
    Just like words, emojis can take on different meanings based on context. Additionally, cultural differences, individual perspectives, and evolving digital trends can all contribute to an emoji’s multiple interpretations.
14. How do I disable or enable emojis on my device?
    Emojis are typically enabled by default on most devices. However, the process to disable or enable them depends on your device’s specific settings. Usually, you can find these settings under your device’s language and input options.