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Gen Z has cancelled these

emojis, calling them 'uncool'
and 'passive-aggressive'

Emojis coming off a handphone screen. (Photo:

iStock/Urupong)

Shevaun Teo
13 Oct 2022 05:48PM | (Updated: 13 Oct 2022 09:23PM)

Using emojis to convey our thoughts has

become commonplace, whether in a
professional or private setting. However,
according to Tiktok and Reddit users, Gen Zs
are cancelling some emojis that are
frequently used by older folks - boomers -
calling them "uncool" and "rude".

"It's common wisdom on TikTok that the

laughing crying emoji is for boomers,"
Jeremy Burge, the chief emoji officer of the
reference website, Emojipedia, wrote in a
blog post. Older generations tend to use
emojis literally while younger people get
more creative, he added.

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SOME EMOJIS ARE "HOSTILE"

Gen Zs on Reddit are calling out the popular
thumbs-up emoji for being "passive-
aggressive" and "hostile".

The author of one post added that the is

an unsettling response, while a user claiming
to be 24 years old said that "it's super rude if
someone just sends you a thumbs-up. So I
also had a weird time adjusting because my
workplace is the same".

The explanation given by several Reddit users

is that a simple can be seen as dismissive
and hostile. While it is an acknowledgement
of a message, it comes across as insincere
and shows a lack of effort in typing out a
response to that message.

According to a survey by Adobe of emoji

users in the United States, only 74 per cent of
Gen Z agree that it is ok to only send an emoji
as a quick response instead of words, in
comparison to 84 per cent of "Boomers".

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However, the same Redditor pointed out that

it might be a generational communication
culture difference.

"(Emojis) can be interpreted as disrespectful.

It can differ from generation to generation.
Across the board, people want to know
they've been heard and emojis do not convey
that for everybody," said Elaine Swann, a
lifestyle and etiquette expert quoted by the
New York Post.

It appears the older the person is, the more

likely they are to react with the emoji.

"In my experience, the boomers use them

more than anyone else," a Reddit user said in
a separate post.

According to the same survey by Abode, older

people are more likely to be literal with their
emojis whereas younger people use them in
a more creative, even metaphorical way.

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A survey of 2,000 people conducted by

Perspectus Global - which bills itself as an
independent, international research agency -
showed that a majority of people between 16
and 29 believe that those who send a are
"officially old and past it".

Another example of an outdated emoji is the

emoji. According to the Perspectus Global
survey, the emoji falls under the Top 10
emojis that you look "old".

10 emojis labelled by
Gen Z as "old":
Perspectus Global
survey

1. Thumbs-up

2. Red heart

3. OK hand

4. Check mark

5. Poo

6. Loudly crying face

7. See-no-evil monkey

8. Clapping hands

9. Kiss mark

10. Grimacing face

Collapse

However, older people seem less inclined to

use the emoji in professional settings as
compared to Gen Z.

"I actually find a heart emoji weird for work

messages. I use heart (emojis) for things like
when someone says 'I got a new kitten'," a
self-proclaimed boomer wrote on Reddit.

"I'd feel more unsettled (with) the heart

reaction," a 40-year-old Redditor added.

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"Agree, to me the heart is reserved for friends

and family, and has a more intimate meaning
of love, while thumbs-up is just simple
agreeing," another 43-year-old chimed in.

In contrast, Gen Zs seem to prefer the use of

a over a , even in the workplace.

"I either 'heart' reactions or reply even if it's a

short 'Great!' or 'Thanks!', " the original author
of the Reddit post wrote.

Older office workers seem bewildered by this

new-generation thinking.

"I love the thumbs-up emoji. I love it because

it means many many things. It means 'I
approve' or 'I understood and will obey' or 'I
agree'," a self-professed boomer on Reddit
responded.

According to a business consultant cited by

the Daily Mail, the emoji potentially has very
different meanings, depending on the
cultural background of the recipient.

It is important to understand the relationship

dynamic at a workplace before deciding to
use emojis, said Sue Ellson.

The conclusion? Check the age range of the

people you are sending your emojis to.

Source: CNA/st(ac)

Related Topics

Gen Z baby boomer

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