Topic:
The lifecycle of covert/hidden meanings of emojis. How image association creates new subcultures.
From my research:
◦A lot of emojis have apparent visual meanings. For example, the noodle emoji could mean noodles, it can also mean send nudes (noods), an expression of interest in another person, or an invitation to have a conversation.
◦The sub-meanings or “hidden” meanings typically originate through social media, then gradually become part of an emojis meaning, like the eggplant emoji meaning either eggplant or penis.
◦Most of these are context and platform specific and users of certain emojis may not use a particular emoji with a particular person because of the association around that emoji within a particular subculture or group. For example, someone who typically uses the brain emoji to mean oral sex wouldn’t send that emoji to a parent even if the context for sending that emoji might not be sexual at all.
Questions:
◦How do groups assign meaning to emojis?
◦In general, very interesting to explore how word associations come about and the expansion of emoji meanings given the vastness of language and human communication relative to the size of the emoji dictionary.
Maps:
The systems maps are very thorough and helpful for me to follow your line of thinking. I am curious how you will direct your questions towards a more critical lens. For instance, “How do groups assign meaning to emojis?” – You did a great job defining those who have influence of hidden meanings. Who does the particular assignment of meaning benefit? Who not? Is there an element of control/harm embedded (intentional or not)?