The Social and Psychological Impact of Racially Diverse Emoji Design on WhatsApp

Abstract

Abstract: The study explores the social and psychological implications of introducing skin tones into emoji usage. Initially, emojis were simple ideograms (pasted images) created in Japan in 1999 to represent feelings and actions. They have evolved into significant symbols of the times, identity and culture, especially after Apple allowed the insertion of various skin tones in 2015. The question that this research sought to answer was: "What are the social and psychological effects of racially diverse emojis among Gen Z WhatsApp users?". The essay seeks to find a better understanding into how racially diverse emojis are used and interpreted in various situations-adding its contribution from social sciences-as well as real-life examples. In terms of research methodology, this study uses survey (convenience sample, N = 71). The research was conducted amongst Gen Z WhatsApp users aging between 13 and 28 for the purposes of looking into the cognitive, emotive and social implications behind the selection of a specific emoji, the potential consequences on identity representation and inclusion through the online platform, and whether these images serve as an inclusive element for an increasingly diverse society or actually trigger race consciousness. Consent and the protection of user data had been implemented and no personal chats were opened. Practical Implications: This study uses a descriptive analysis, aiming its analysis predominantly at Gen Z users who have been exposed to the increasing diversity within the emojis lexicon-particularly on social media-- in the course of their lives, exploring the delicate line between good representation and unintentional reconfirmation of race differences in new digital spaces.