Francis Osamwonyi Amenaghawon, Oluwaseyi Tayo Olawole

Keywords: Emoji, digital communication, social media, digital literacy, students

Abstract

This study explores the patterns and usage of emojis among Nigerian university students, highlighting their role in digital communication and academic contexts. Emojis have a lot of potential since they are full of meaning. People tend to employ it based on the settings or circumstances. They are also excellent for expressing the good emotions
when users are unable to do so in person and for enhancing their contact
with others, such as friends, teachers. Emojis are undoubtedly a significant component of regular written communication. Using a survey of 372 respondents at the University of Ibadan and guided by Social Presence, Media Richness, and Diffusion of Innovations theories, the study found that emojis are widely used, especially on WhatsApp. Students frequently employ emojis with friends and peers, but sparingly with lecturers, reflecting differences between informal and formal communication. Most participants agreed that emojis enhance clarity and emotion, though opinions diverged on their appropriateness in academic
discourse. The study concludes that emoji choice is influenced by mood,
peers, and social trends, while cultural and gender factors shaped interpretation. The study recommends cautious academic use of emojis in academic communication and encourages improved digital literacy
among students.

Author Biography

Francis Osamwonyi Amenaghawon 

Department of Communication and Language Arts, University of Ibadan, Nigeria.

Email: [email protected]

Oluwaseyi Tayo Olawole 

Department of Sociology & Anthropology, Obafemi Awolowo University, Nigeria

Email: [email protected]

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