Generations Divided: What Emojis Mean to Different Age Groups

When we explore how different age groups use emojis, it becomes clear that interpretations vary widely. Jo, a Gen Z representative, shared that their peers often use emojis in a playful, ironic manner. They pointed out that what’s trendy changes rapidly in their circle. On the other hand, Sam, a millennial, noticed that younger people often use emojis like punctuation marks, while older folks tend to use them more sincerely.

How did Gen X fare? What about baby boomers when it came to emojis?

Ant, from Gen X, shared he usually uses emojis to respond rather than initiate a conversation. He observed that younger people use emojis more often, while he prefers typing messages. Similarly, Mike, a baby boomer, noted that older generations like his aren’t as fond of using emojis as younger folks.

When asked about specific emojis, their responses varied:

😂 (Face with Tears of Joy): Jo said it’s commonly used for humor. Sam mentioned it’s used as a quick reply. Ant noted its wide recognition across generations. Mike acknowledged it’s popular among younger people. 💯 (Hundred Points): Jo and Sam associated it with agreement. Ant saw it as a response emoji. Mike knew about it but didn’t have a specific use. 🙌 (Raising Hands): Jo and Sam saw it as a celebration emoji. Ant and Mike didn’t offer a specific use.

The “melting face” emoji

Jo felt it conveys disdain or reluctance. Michael thought it shows annoyance. Em and Sam linked it to feeling overwhelmed. Ant wasn’t sure of its meaning, and Mike associated it with a negative situation.

The “rolling on the floor laughing” emoji

Jo would use it ironically. Em would use it in formal settings to denote humor. Ant related it to intense laughter. Mike thought it signifies something extremely funny.

The “skull” emoji

Jo used it to say “I’m dead” or “bruh.” Michael thought it signified something stupid. Em used it to show shock or laughter. Sam associated it with embarrassment. Ant and Mike found it unfamiliar but thought it might relate to toxicity or death.

The “loudly crying face” emoji

Jo and Michael linked it to laughing at something inappropriate. Em used it to express emotions like joy. Sam used it often to show happiness. Ant and Mike saw it as representing sadness.

The “exploding head” emoji

Jo associated it with sarcasm. Michael thought it showed sarcasm or indifference. Em and Sam used it for mind-blown moments. Ant saw it as representing overwhelm. Mike associated it with confusion.

The “nail polish” emoji

Jo and Sam linked it to queerness. Em saw it as fancy. Ant related it to relaxation. Mike thought it indicated diva behavior.

The “weary face” emoji

Jo used it for attraction. Em and Sam saw it as showing frustration. Ant saw it as conveying bad news. Mike associated it with sad news but not death.

The “hot face” emoji

Michael used it sarcastically. Em thought it showed being overwhelmed. Sam linked it to attractiveness. Ant and Mike thought of it as representing literal heat.

The “face with rolling eyes” emoji

Jo, Em, and Sam saw it as eye-rolling. Ant linked it to skepticism. Mike saw it as anticipating foolishness.

The “eyes” emoji

Jo rarely used it. Em linked it to observation. Sam thought it signified curiosity. Mike saw it as representing doubt.

The “smiling face with hearts” emoji

Jo saw it as sarcastic. Em used it to show gratitude. Sam used it as a thank you. Ant saw it as love. Mike linked it to family or happiness.

The “folded hands” emoji

Jo saw it as expressing gratitude or pleading. Em linked it to hope. Sam used it for “please.” Ant found it annoying and linked it to blessings. Mike saw it as prayers.

The “face with raised eyebrow” emoji

Jo linked it to skepticism. Em saw it as disbelief. Sam used it for suspicion. Ant saw it as showing curiosity. Mike linked it to conflict.

The “smirking face” emoji

Jo linked it to implying something. Michael saw it as sarcasm. Em thought it showed mischief. Sam saw it as flirtatious. Ant and Mike were unsure.

Emoticons still trump emojis

Emoticons like 🙂 and 🙁 have been around since the 1980s and are widely understood. While emojis were invented in the 1990s, emoticons have a long-standing history and simplicity that makes them easily understood across generations.