As a communication major in the mid-2000’s, we studied the rapid rise of Computer Mediated Communication (email, texting, etc.) While it had many benefits, experts were already warning about the potential for miscommunication since CMC lacked the ability to convey non-verbals.

Non-verbals are really important in communication—some have even suggest that 93% of our communication is non-verbal (facial expression, tone of voice, body language, etc.) All of this is absent in CMC, and it can cause problems.

You’ve probably experienced this. You’ve read an email or text or tweet and wondered, “Is he serious or joking?” “Was that sarcasm?” “She did/didn’t use punctuation. Does that mean she’s angry?”

Do you know what communication textbooks were suggesting might help solve that problem?

Emojis.

To be more precise, back then they were called “emoticons,” not “emojis.” The whole purpose was to communicate

...wait for it...

EMOTION

Maybe that’s why they aren’t considered “manly,” because emotions (other than anger) are still regarded as feminine. That idea needs to die.

Emotional intelligence is sexy. Pass it on.