The essential emoji guide for over-30s so you avoid offending Gen Z over text
HOW do you offend a younger person? Text them a smiley face.
The generations have very different ways of reading emojis and if you are not careful, an older person’s idea of the meaning of an innocent-seeming symbol could confuse someone younger . . . or even outrage them.
For instance, a smile emoji – an expression of fun – can appear passive-aggressive to a younger person.
Sarah Wiseman, a human computer interaction specialist at Goldsmiths University in London, said yesterday: “By sending a smile, you are ironically saying something negative. You are mocking someone.”
From skulls to fairies, Katy Docherty has the essential emoji guide over-30s need . . .
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Older sender means: Something bad has happened
Younger person reads: I have just died from laughter
Older sender means: I like fairies
Younger person reads: I’m being scorchingly sarcastic
Older sender means: I’m fed up
Younger person reads: You have stated something searingly obvious
Older sender means: Look at this
Younger person reads: I’m shy or nervous
Older sender means: I’ve just encountered a right idiot
Younger person reads: You’re so silly
Older sender means: I’m wearing a hat
Younger person reads: I’m lying
Older sender means: It’s hot
Younger person reads: That is cool
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Older sender means: Time’s ticking
Younger person reads: You have a good body