Men 😂 and Women ❤️ on Twitter: A Preliminary Account of British Emoji Usage in Terms of Preferred Topics and Gender-Related Habits

Abstract

This study examines British emoji usage on Twitter by focusing, on the one hand, on favourite topics for emoji use, and, on the other, on the gender variable in relation to the frequency of use of emojis and the preferred meanings expressed through them. Message samples from British users of Twitter were analysed to verify the existence of trends in emoji usage as regards preferred topics, gender-dependent frequency of usage, and gender preferences to express certain meanings through particular emojis. The analysis shows an overall modest use of emojis among the British users (about three emojis per every 10 messages). Concerning topics, emojis are used more frequently to communicate about issues which are perceived as trivial or less serious, and to establish or maintain social relationships. As regards the gender variable, the study confirms previous research that found a higher use of emojis by females. Gender and the expression of certain meanings through emojis also turn out to be statistically dependent variables. Expressions of love, amusement, sadness, and encouragement are gender-dependent, as are expressions of agreement and reflection.