Emoji and Nonverbal Communication: An Examination of Social Networking Sites

The study explored the phenomenon of nonverbal communication with its focus on emoji. Basically, the researcher examined five social networking sites (SNS) - (Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, Snapchat, and Twitter) in order to ascertain which of the SNS the research population uses emoji more often. Furthermore, the researcher explored the gender disparity in the use of emoji. The study employed the quantitative research method to achieve this end, precisely the survey technique. The hyperpersonal communication theory underpins and guides the research. Findings from the study indicate that a considerable number of the research population (48.93%) considers WhatsApp’s emojis as the most often used, followed by Facebook. Analysis of data further revealed that both genders- male and female use emoji evenly. The male, 71 respondents representing 50.35% use emoji and 70 respondents; that is, 49.65% of the female equally use emoji for communication purposes. The study concludes that emojis are conduit pipes through which Internet users display their expertise in the manoeuvering of computer-mediated communication, specifically nonverbal communication; hence, researchers indicate that this calls for further scholarly investigation in this research domain.

Anahtar Kelimeler:

emoji, nonverbal communication, communication, social networking sites

Emoji ve Sözsüz İletişim: Sosyal Ağ Siteleri Üzerine Bir İnceleme

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