Exploring emojis in the landscape of digital discourse

This study examines emoji usage in text-based communication through the frameworks of social information processing and media richness theories. A sample of 472 undergraduate students, enrolled in an introductory communication course, participated in the research. Through a Qualtrics survey, the study investigates various aspects of emoji usage, including frequency, motives, and its impact on computer-mediated communication (CMC) effectiveness. The findings unveil a nuanced relationship between emoji usage and CMC effectiveness, contingent upon user intentions. By shedding light on these dynamics, this research contributes to the burgeoning literature on emojis, offering valuable insights into their efficacy across diverse communication contexts.