The Impact of Platform Varieties on Emoji Usage: Based on Mixed Research Methods

Computer-mediated communication allows people to interact across various contexts (e.g., platforms, social circles) but often lacks nonverbal cues (e.g., tone of voice). Incorporating emojis can help express emotions and enhance or clarify the meaning of messages. While many studies have discussed the motivations for emoji usage, the impact of platforms on emoji usage, especially within the Chinese context, has been largely overlooked. In a correlational study ($\mathbf{N}=\mathbf{2 0 6}$), we examined how platform characteristics influence the frequency of emoji usage. Hierarchical linear regressions revealed that attitude towards emojis correlated with usage frequency across different platforms. The impact of interpersonal distance on emoji usage frequency across platforms correlates with the nature of users’ relationships. On platforms like WeChat and Lark, where connections are often extensions of offline relationships, feelings of intimacy and acceptance positively affected emoji usage. In contrast, on platforms where users connect without prior offline interactions, feelings of intimacy and acceptance negatively impacted emoji usage frequency. These findings indicate that emoji usage frequency varies across platforms and that users adjust their emoji usage based on the nature of their relationships on these platforms. Thus, the influence of platform characteristics on emoji usage is significant and warrants further attention.