Fourth International Conference on Communication & Media Studies

Abstract

Pictures speak a thousand words - especially if those pictures are fun graphics when it comes to social network messaging. Illustrations designed for texting in the social platform has been several versions. First came text-based emoticons like :-). Then came emoji pictograms like those smiling faces. Furthermore, e-Stickers are all the rage. This represents a marked cultural shift toward a more visual form of communication. This new “language” is doing what word of meaning did in text typing, what the tone of voice did on the telephone and what gestures and facial expressions did in interpersonal communication. It has increasingly dominated text messaging, social media chat platforms, and is rich in social, cultural, and economic significance. Despite some research on digital sticker technology, emoji design, or branded stickers’ advertising effect, little theoretically based understanding of what motivates use of this new way of communication and toward to interpersonal relation. To bridge the gap, this study has reviewed the development of emoticon, emoji, and e-sticker on one hand, explore people’s usage and attitude toward these visual communication tools on the other. Focus group interviews with different age people are adopted. There are three research questions. First, how do people view the usage of visual communication tools? Second, what are the effects of these visual tools on interpersonal relations? Third, what are the attitudes and expectations toward this way of communication? The results indicate emoji/stickers not only help communication become more vivid and interesting, but also benefit to forge closer social bonds.