Using emoji makes you more likable, study finds

The study, which surveyed over 5,000 emoji users from the United States, sought to uncover how Americans use emoji for self-expression.

As it turns out, 73% of those polled thought people who used emojis are friendlier, funnier, and cooler than those who don't. And 91% of respondents felt that emoji make it easier to express themselves — with 60% reporting that emojis have the ability to boost overall mental health.

Americans have their favorite emoji, too. Perhaps least surprising of all, the tears of joy emoji continues to be the favorite emoji of those in the U.S.

Tears of joy — also sometimes referred to as crying while laughing — was also 2021's most popular emoji.

Thumbs up, red heart, and rolling on the floor laughing took second, third, and fourth place, respectively. The fifth favorite emoji is the crying face emoji.

While many respondents thought emoji make it easier to express yourself, 50% of those polled noted that they used emoji differently than their intended meanings.

The study found that the cowboy emoji is the most understood in the U.S., while cherries and upside-down face took second and third place, respectively.

The survey also uncovered that two out of five Americans do not see their identities reflected in current emoji options. In addition, U.S. emoji users would like to see age, race/ethnicity, culture, and disability categories expanded to be more inclusive.

Unicode's upcoming 15.0 release is set to roll out sometime in September. Some of the new emoji set to hit devices include a pink heart, a jellyfish, and a shaking face.