The Influence of Emoticons on Message Interpretation in Instant Messages

• In Event: The Communication of Advice, Emotions, and Goals in Computer Mediated Communication

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to replicate and extend the Walther and D’Addario (2001) study that examined the effects of emoticons on message interpretation in email messages. This study examined the effect of emoticons on message interpretation in instant messages replacing text emoticons [smile :-), frown :-(, and wink :-] with graphic emoticons (yellow smiley face , frown , and wink ). Results are reported and compared to results of Walther and D’Addario.

Authors

• Kathryn Dindia, University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee

• Jennifer Huber, University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee