The Use of Emojis in Written ELF Communication through Social Network Sites by Thai and Non-Thai Communicators

This research aims to address the gap regarding the use of emojis in written EMC. Specifically, the study seeks to 1) Identify the most and least commonly used emojis in online ELF communication by Thai and non-Thai users, 2) Explore how people utilize these emojis in digital conversations, and 3) Examine whether there are significant differences in emoji usage between the two groups. The study employed a survey methodology to explore their usage patterns and emotional responses toward emojis. The results revealed that the emoji ‘Face with tears of joy’ was the most frequently selected, while the ‘Eggplant’ emerged as the least utilized. Additionally, the findings suggest that facial expression emojis demonstrate significant versatility in conveying a wide array of meanings; the analysis revealed a notable level of consensus in the emotional interpretation of emojis among the participants. The nature of the relationship between the communicators influences the emoji usage patterns. In summary, most participants, irrespective of nationality, preferred incorporating emojis in communication with friends, underscoring the social function of these digital symbols in informal, interpersonal exchanges. Also, the additional findings from the interviews have implications for enhancing intercultural communication strategies and promoting successful interactions among diverse communicators in the evolving realm of EMC.