Human communication had never been as rich as when emoji came to be. Somehow, written communication became more human, more humane, warmer to a certain degree and more connected. Even celebrities such as Kim Kardashian with her Kimoji and movie franchises such as 'Deadpool' with the 'Deadpool' emoji keyboard capitalise on the wide use and high demand for emoji.
The first emoji prototype was developed in Japan by Shigetaka Kurita as part of the i-mode mobile project in 1999. Kurita explains his breakthrough:
"Everything was shown by text. Even the weather forecast was displayed as 'fine'. When I saw it, I found it difficult to understand. Japanese TV weather forecasts have always included pictures or symbols to describe the weather-for example, a picture of sun meant 'sunny'. I'd rather see a picture of the sun, instead of a text saying 'fine'. "
Essentially Kurita fathered the first 180 emoji that ever existed.
The prevalence of emoji use, however, has become a double-edged sword and many take a chance by foregoing acceptable etiquette and courteousness in favour of the use of emoji. As a reminder, here are a few situations where Bustle advises emoji use are still deemed inappropriate:
#1 In communications with persons of authority
Whether by phone or by email, communications with persons of authority such teachers, professors, bosses must be upheld as sacrosanct. At no point is emoji use acceptable, except when said authority figure initiates the use. Even then stick with polite and tasteful emoji.
#2 On the occasion of a break up
Emoji with a relationship partner should be saved for happier times. There is no kindness and no assurance of clarity when emoji is used between two people who are breaking up.
#3 On occasions of loss or distress
Most people who lose a loved one would still have more appreciation for sincere words than cartoon faces. Loss is too personal to be entrusted to emoji.
#4 On significant or very important occasions
The art of words must never be lost in the sea of emoji. Especially during situations that or of significance or that are quite serious, choose to communicate with real words still.
