Texting is one of the most efficient methods of communication in today’s fast-paced world. In seconds, we’re able to contact friends and family across the globe without missing a beat. To make an already streamlined process even smoother, people have developed acronyms, abbreviations and emojis to broaden the ways texting can be used. Although this can be useful in making our written meaning clear, the options when it comes to text language can cause confusion when symbols or abbreviations aren’t understood in the same way. In turn, this can spark heated debate about the use of these symbols, especially where emotions are involved. Recently, a new question has been brought to this dedicated debater’s attention about the nature of texting with emojis. This week, we explore which is better: the smiley face emoji or the 🙂 symbol?
Although it is ultimately simpler, this author is firmly on the side of the 🙂 symbol. A classic almost as old as the internet itself, this tried-and-true method of conveying happiness is easily superior to its emoji counterpart. For one, the 🙂 symbol is universal—its meaning maintains its integrity no matter the type of device on which it’s being viewed. Emojis, in contrast, may look different on different types of devices, which can alter the emotion the sender was trying to convey. A smiley face emoji on an Apple iPhone will not look the same as it does when received on an Android. This ruins the integrity of the emoji, whereas the 🙂 symbol will look fundamentally the same no matter the device. This means the symbol is more likely to maintain its original meaning and won’t be so easily warped.
Simplicity can often be preferable to complexity, and this case is no different. In contrast to the emoji, where dozens of different versions of happy faces exist, the 🙂 symbol is much simpler. When using this symbol, those composing a text message don’t have to agonize over which emoji is proper for their message nor do recipients have to overanalyze the emoji for context. Narrowing down the available options simplifies the process and reduces the chances of confusion when it comes to understanding the meaning behind the smile. A simple 🙂 conveys a general message of happiness which is easily understood by both composer and recipient of a text.
That said, while the 🙂 symbol does convey a general meaning of happiness, it is also versatile in the ways it can be used. One 🙂 symbol conveys a general message of happiness, while multiple symbols in a row may be interpreted as an extreme level of happiness—perhaps even joy! It can be used in a wide variety of positive scenarios and intermingled emotions: in situations of surprise, pride or excitement, the 🙂 symbol is a valid and universal option. In contrast, the emoji one may have to use in each of those scenarios may be quite different, placing clear restrictions on which types of smiley face emojis can be used in which situations. Unlike the emoji, the 🙂 symbol enjoys relative freedom.
For this author, who feels strongly on this topic, it could be easy to write a dissertation on the nature of smiley face symbols. However, as we have learned from this debate, sometimes the best methods are also the simplest. In outlining the basic (yet most important) reasons why the 🙂 symbol triumphs over the emoji, this author feels satisfied enough to bring yet another bold debate to a definite conclusion.
