We are getting addicted to using emojis, people love emojis, it is no secret. Emojis. These colourful symbols are everywhere these days, even as decoration in high-fashion collections and very soon, in movies.

Emojis and their fancier counterparts, stickers have taken off in recent years. With the growth of technology, these pictorial representations of feelings are playing a crucial role in communication. As you are reading this, a question might have popped up in your head, what are the reasons why we love emoji?

The most important reason behind the popularity of these small pictures is that it very aptly expresses the various emotions a human goes through. And all of this is done through the use of keyboard characters.

Today’s generation relies on emoticons to communicate better. This is because language is ever evolving; we constantly look for better ways to communicate, express, and optimize thoughts and feelings. And this is exactly what emoticons allow us to do!

These emoticons have become much more famous than Mickey Mouse, Superman and Homer Simpson. Do not believe us? When was the last time you used Homer quotes, Superman GIFs or Mickey Mouse memes? Do not remember right! But you use emoticons on a daily basis. They have become an intrinsic part of our digital conversations without our knowledge.

If you are still not convinced, read on and find the reasons why we love emoji

(1) They help us to communicate better:

Human beings are known as social animals. If we avoid interaction with people, we can develop physical and psychological conditions. We form our identity from the feedback we receive from others. As social beings, we need constant and regular confirmation of our social placement.

When we communicate face-to-face we can use non-verbal tools like intonation, gestures, facial expressions, and body language. But what do you when you are having a virtual conversation? Emojis come to the rescue on the virtual platforms. We use these pictorial depictions to reduce ambiguity and to intensify or tone down our emotional expression. We have the basic needs to express our emotions. And this need in some or the other is fulfilled by the use of emoticons.

(2) It helps to increase social intimacy:

A good and healthy communication requires social intimacy. We undertake this by increasing the amount of communication and through the disclosure of personal details. What was once upon a time thought to be impossible, social intimacy is now widespread through computer-mediated modes of communication.

To establish an emotional connection with people we need to share our feelings and emotions with that person. It forms an essential part of how we build and maintain close relationships. Emoticons help us to do this more sincerely and freely. It is not just about the emoticon, but the feeling behind it matters as well. Emoticons provide us with a majority of the social well-being, physical health, and emotional wellness that face to face communication provides us with. As they continue to evolve, so will the benefits we derive from them.

(3) We react the same way we would to a human face:

One of the most important reasons why we love emojis is because we react to them like we would while we actually talk to a person. If you ever wish that you could reach out and talk to your followers and fans face-to-face, here is some good news for you, an emoji might be the next best thing. Research suggests that when we look at a smiley face online, the same very specific parts of the brain are activated as when we look at a real human face.

(4) They can be used in business settings as well:

You may have heard that emojis are not so professional for workplace communication. But these days more and more smiley faces are entering into work emails. Research has proved that these smiley faces, when included in the email, made the employee feel more valued by the organization. And at the same time, the sender’s credibility is also not affected when he or she sends an emoticon.

Now that you have read the reasons why we love emoji, feel free to use as many emojis you like. Let’s use these pictorial depictions to bring people closer!