Understanding emojis: Cultural influences in interpretation and choice of emojis

Abstract

Emojis have been widely used in computer-mediated communication. This study examined how cultural identification with individualism and collectivism influences Americans’ interpretations and choices of emojis commonly used in South Korea. We also investigated the moderating effects of intercultural communication competence (ICC) and emotional intelligence (EI). Results from a sample of college students in the U.S. (N = 369) showed that the identification with individualism and collectivism played a significant role in interpreting and selecting appropriate emojis. Moreover, ICC and EI significantly moderated the relationships. These findings enhance understanding of cross-cultural differences in understanding emojis in CMC. © 2022 National Communication Association.