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OUTRÉ

Emojis: boosting or killing creativity?

This year, Unicode Consortium will roll out “emoji 13.0”, 117 new pictograms that will be available on our digital devices to spice up conversations



Since its creation in 1998, emojis didn’t stop growing, and nowadays are a key component of human interactions.


But are they necessary?


Although communication purists do not want them to be part of how we interact with each other because they make words redundant, emojis are a universal language reflecting society.


Traditionally representing white men, new emojis offer gender and skin options and illustrate religion beliefs and family diversity.


Therefore, creativity is already present in their process making, but what about when we use them? Are they replacing words?


In some ways they do, but that doesn’t mean it’s bad.


It’s about practicality. Communication creativity will be fostered depending on how each individual uses them.


Emojis help us detect our interlocutors’ feelings such as coldness, enthusiasm, or discomfort, making it easier to get to know each other.


Isn’t it creative enough to associate aubergine with penis, or peach with arse when talking about sex?


If used correctly, emojis add information and can even be a faithful representation of our personality.




Cover photo credits here.




Pablo is our print designer and writer, follow him on Twitter!

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