Why do Lemmy users rarely use emoticons? - eviltoast

Reading comments in different communities, I noticed that users hardly leave smilies. Why is that?

༼ つ ◕_◕ ༽つ

  • Lvxferre@lemmy.ml
    link
    fedilink
    arrow-up
    53
    arrow-down
    3
    ·
    edit-2
    11 months ago

    My hypothesis: Lemmy has an older userbase, and in general older people feel less of a need to express their emotions. They’re busier discussing the topic than highlighting their attitude towards it.

    Perhaps cultural reinforcement plays a role, too. As emoticons and emojis are less used, they feel more out of place, so people who’d use them elsewhere avoid them here.

    • Maestro@kbin.social
      link
      fedilink
      arrow-up
      24
      arrow-down
      2
      ·
      11 months ago

      My 80 old father-in-law spams emoticons like he’s a 15 year old girl. Cringe-worthy and hillarious at the same time 😂

      • TangledHyphae@lemmy.world
        link
        fedilink
        arrow-up
        3
        ·
        11 months ago

        I have stopped contacting family members because the constant emoji spam kills all desire to have a conversation with them. Feels like empty meaningless chatter.

    • PilferJynx@lemmy.world
      link
      fedilink
      arrow-up
      12
      arrow-down
      1
      ·
      11 months ago

      I only use emoticons to clarify an emotional message. On forums, I’m more interested in sharing and discussing ideas and opinions. Emoticon spam makes me sick with worthless cringe.

    • Fizz@lemmy.nz
      link
      fedilink
      arrow-up
      9
      arrow-down
      2
      ·
      11 months ago

      I use emojis only because my phone suggests them at the end of sentences 🙃