typed Emojis: Are They Still Relevant?

While many users have switched to graphical emojis due to their visual appeal and wide availability, typed emojis still hold a special place in the digital communication landscape. These humble text-based representations of emotions, often denoted with simple characters like smileys, continue to be utilized in various contexts. This article explores the ongoing relevance of typed emojis and their use in modern communication.

Stay Relevant: Why People Still Use typed Emojis

Despite the prevalence of graphical emojis, typed emojis remain incredibly useful in certain situations. Primarily, they are favored in text-based environments where graphical emojis are either unavailable or have specific limitations. For instance, typed emojis are commonly used in plain text emails, where graphical emojis might not display properly or at all. Additionally, they are favored among communities that value simplicity or nostalgia. These communities often prefer the timeless straightforwardness of typed emojis over the sometimes overwhelming variety of graphical emojis.

Autocorrection vs Autocorrect Disintegration

Another interesting aspect of typed emojis is the autocorrection feature that many devices possess. While many typed emojis are prone to autocorrecting to their corresponding graphical emojis, there are notable exceptions. Let's take a look at a few examples.

The Crying Face: This is frequently seen in texts coming from roleplayers who are feeling depressed. It’s a simple way to convey a complex emotion without the need for a graphical symbol. The Hard Laughing Face (XD): This particular typed emoji doesn’t seem to autocorrect. The reason is rooted in copyright. While it’s an amusing play on the ejector seat laughter (rotfl) popularized in online communities, the fact that Disney (the copyright owner) hasn’t officially approved this emoji means it can’t be included in official libraries. This leads to a unique situation where users must remember to type it as written. The Napstablook (: This is a playful example made up for illustrative purposes. It’s a standalone typed emoji that doesn’t autocorrect, much like XD. The Side Smile (:1): Also a fictional example, this emoji is a humorous juxtaposition and doesn’t seem to autocorrect either, highlighting the quirks of typed emojis.

The Case for Emoticons

For those who prefer graphic emoticons, it’s worth noting that these are often graphic representations of ordinary characters. The most well-known examples include: :), :P, :3, and :X. These emoticons can be found in various forms across different writing systems and cultures. For instance, in Japanese writing, emoticons like :3 or :3c (known as emoji in Japanese) are widely used to express a variety of emotions, often substituting for the need for graphical emojis.

Automatic Conversion of Emoticons

Interestingly, some modern keyboards have the capability to automatically convert certain combinations of characters into smiley faces or even standard graphics. This feature can sometimes bring a touch of magic to text-based communications, transforming simple text into visual symbols with the press of a few keys.

In conclusion, typed emojis, along with emoticons, remain relevant in a digital world that is increasingly filled with graphical emojis. They provide a sense of nostalgia, simplicity, and utility in various contexts. Whether it’s typing :D to express happiness or using emoticons to convey complex emotions, these humble text-based symbols continue to play a significant role in modern communication.