Perceived responsiveness in text messaging: The role of emoji use. (October 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Coyle, Maureen A.; Carmichael, Cheryl L.
• Is Part Of: Computers in human behavior. Volume 99(2019)
• Page Start: 181
• Page End: 189
• Publication Date: 2019-10
• Subjects: Emojis -- Emoticons -- Perceived responsiveness -- Computer-mediated communication -- Online -- First impressions; Interactive computer systems -- Periodicals; Man-machine systems -- Periodicals; 004.019
• DOI: 10.1016/j.chb.2019.05.023
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0747-5632

Abstract

Abstract: This research investigated how emojis can be used in text messaging to communicate perceived responsiveness, guide impression formation, and contribute to reflected appraisal. Participants ( N = 179) disclosed a positive and negative event to a responder (a confederate) over iMessage. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either text only responses or a mixture of text and emoji responses from the responder. For positive self-disclosures, participants had higher ratings of perceived responsiveness when there was convergence in emoji use between the participant and responder than when there was divergence. In other words, participants rated the confederate higher in responsiveness when both or neither used emojis (converged) than when only one used emojis (diverged). There were no effects of emoji use on perceived responsiveness for negative self-disclosures. Additionally, following the set of interactions, participants had more positive impressions of the responder and more positive perceptions of how the responder felt towards the participant (reflected appraisal) when there was convergence rather than divergence in emoji use. Discussion centers around whether emojis can serve as a substitute for nonverbal cues typically found in face-to-face conversations. Highlights: Combination of discloser and responder emoji use affects person perceptions. Convergent (over divergent) emoji use increased perceived responsiveness. Convergent (over divergent) emoji use increased positive responder impressions. Participants felt the responder rated them more positively if both used emojis. Communication accommodation may occur in texting similar to in-person interactions.