A research study conducted with USC undergraduate students examining how emojis shape interpersonal communication, exploring usage patterns, interpretation, and emotional impact in digital conversations.

The study aimed to distinguish the different meanings of emojis and assess their effectiveness in conveying intended messages. Utilizing a one-week Qualtrics survey among USC undergraduates, it gathered quantitative and qualitative data on emoji frequency, context, and user confidence.

The results reveal that while emojis significantly enhance emotional expression, their interpretation varies across contexts and demographics. These insights offer valuable recommendations for educators, marketers, and communication strategists to refine digital messaging for more effective engagement.