Animoji Performances: "Cuz I Can Be a Sexy Poop"

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Published: Dec 31, 2020
Keywords:
digital face manipulation, Animoji, playfulness, social media, gender, stereotypes
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Susan C. Herring
Ashley R. Dainas
Holly Lopez Long
Ying Tang

Abstract

As a dynamic, mask-like form of digital self-representation, Animoji on the Apple iPhone X afford interesting new possibilities for mediated communication. However, the effect that Animoji animators seek to create depends heavily on the characteristics of their spoken voice. We investigate spoken behavior in Animoji video clips shared publicly on YouTube.com and Twitter.com in the first 14 months after the iPhone X’s commercial release, using quantitative and qualitative discourse analysis methods. Through modifications in vocal quality, prosody, and lexis, the clips were found to enact playful verbal performances that varied in degree and nature according to the specific Animoji used, the gender of the animator, and the gender of the performed character. At the same time, some performances invoked stereotypes that denigrate members of certain groups. We conclude by discussing the broader social and ethical implications of Animoji and other forms of filtered digital self-representation.

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How to Cite
Herring, S. C., Dainas, A. R., Lopez Long, H., & Tang, Y. (2020). Animoji Performances: "Cuz I Can Be a Sexy Poop". Language@Internet, 18. Retrieved from https://scholarworks.iu.edu/journals/index.php/li/article/view/37788
Author Biographies

Susan C. Herring

Susan C. Herring is Professor of Information Science and Linguistics and Director of the Center for Computer-Mediated Communication at Indiana University, Bloomington. Her current research interests include the use of graphical elements in computer-mediated discourse.

Ashley R. Dainas

Ashley R. Dainas is a Ph.D. candidate in Information Science at Indiana University, Bloomington. Her current research interests include the uses and interpretations of “graphicons” such as emoticons, emoji, images, GIFs, and Animoji in computer-mediated discourse.

Holly Lopez Long

Holly Lopez Long is a doctoral student in Information Science at Indiana University, Bloomington. Her research explores topics in computer-mediated discourse, channel selection, and innovation adoption.

Ying Tang

Ying Tang is currently a Postdoctoral Fellow in Informatics at Indiana University, Bloomington. Her current research focuses on technology enhanced learning, including how the use of graphical icons can impact interaction and engagement.

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