It sounds like you don’t consider emojis appropriate. How come?

Have an urgent message you want to send to someone who is not uptight or a snob? In the same way in which people smile to be kind or be welcoming, I use emojis:

“Thanks for the file ☺️”

In the same way that people mirror emotions, I use emojis: “I’m sorry about the presentation 😢” “Yeah. Those reports can take quite a while to digest 😅”

In the same way that emotionally intelligent people are candid and therefore vulnerable and able to connect with others, I use emojis*: “It’s taking forever to load 😭” “I’m kinda nervous about tomorrow’s meeting 😬”

*Of course, my dumb ass is far from emotionally intelligent. I just strive to create connection.

I recognize that, at times, a social situation could seem to demand deference beyond emojis. At the same time, there are many situations where emojis could be appropriate. I am trying to let you see why and in what contexts someone would use emojis ☺️.

Also, there’s the whole Poe’s Law issue. Emojis can help with clarity.