I admit it here for anyone to read: I am not a fan of emoticons. You will not catch me using a π or a π or a (:0) .
Except for the sentence I just typed, I will never make you turn your head sideways to read my feelings.
Today is the silver anniversary–25 years–of the birth of the sideways smiley face emoticon (the first one I used above). According to an Associated Press news story today by Daniel Lovering, that emoticon was introduced on an electronic bulletin board by Carnegie Mellon professor Scott E. Fahlman on September 19, 1982.
In Lovering’s article he wrote, “Language experts say the smiley face and other emotional icons, known as emoticons, have given people a concise way . . . to express sentiments that otherwise would be difficult to detect.”
Difficult to detect? Why? What is wrong with using clear, concise words?
Rather than emoticons, these are my choices to express a range of sentiments:
- I am glad.
- I am happy.
- I’m excited.
- I’m so pleased.
- I am proud.
- Terrific news!
- Brilliant idea!
- I agree completely.
- You are wonderful.
- You are the best.
- Thanks so much!
- I’m kidding.
- I’m joking.
- I’m being silly.
- How frustrating!
- What a pain!
- I hated it.
- I am so angry I could spit.
- It stank.
- I was very disappointed.
- I was devastated.
- I am sad about it.
- I’m stressed out.
- I’m satisfied.
- I’m anxious.
- I’m nervous.
- How embarrassing!
- I am being sarcastic.
- I am serious.
- I mean it.
- I’m beat.
- I’m sleepy.
- I’m exhausted.
- I’m overwhelmed.
- I’m bored.
- I like it.
- I love it.
- I love it!
Were all of those clear? Yes.
Is a frowning emoticon clear? No.
Today I led an Email Intelligence seminar. Desiree, a participant who is just about as old as the emoticon, told the class about her goal. She said something like this:
I want to be able to use words to express emotions. The people in my circle, people around my age, use emoticons all the time. In email and text messages, we always use emoticons. But older people don’t. I want to sound professional, so I want to learn how to use the right words.
Rather than celebrating the emoticon, I want to celebrate Desiree–in words, of course. Desiree, what a brilliant idea! I agree completely. You’re terrific!