Emotional intelligence plays a significant role in the use of emojis among friends, while avoidant attachment correlates with less emoji use in both friendships and romantic situations, as highlighted by a recent study. This trend differs by gender and the type of relationships involved, with women typically using emojis more frequently than men.
A recent study, published on December 4, 2024, in the open-access journal PLOS ONE by Dr. Simon Dubé, a Research Fellow at The Kinsey Institute, Indiana University, U.S., and his team, shows that individuals with higher emotional intelligence tend to use emojis more often with friends. Conversely, those with avoidant attachment styles use emojis less frequently in connection with friends and romantic partners. This usage pattern also varies between genders and types of relationships, with women being more inclined to use emojis with friends and family compared to men.
Emojis are visual representations of emotions, objects, animals, and various concepts. They can be shared through computers or smartphones, either alone or alongside text, enhancing the meaning of virtual communications. Understanding how emoji usage differs based on communication and interpersonal skills can reveal insights about who utilizes these symbols and the psychological factors influencing online interactions. Although emojis are widely used in social communication, there is still limited knowledge about their usage patterns beyond basic findings related to gender and personality traits.
To explore this further, Dubé and his colleagues examined the connection between emoji usage frequency, attachment styles, and emotional intelligence across different genders and relationship contexts in a study involving 320 adults. Emotional intelligence refers to one’s ability to recognize and manage their own emotions as well as those of others, while attachment styles reflect how individuals form bonds in close relationships, shaped by early experiences with primary caregivers. These styles can be classified broadly into three categories: anxious, avoidant, and secure attachment. Both anxious and avoidant attachment styles indicate a sense of insecurity regarding primary caregivers, whereas secure attachment is characterized by joy upon reuniting with caregivers after a short separation.
The findings indicated that those with higher emotional intelligence and secure attachment styles were more inclined to use emojis. Among women, a greater level of attachment avoidance correlated with a reduction in sending and receiving emojis with friends and dating partners. Similarly, for men, higher attachment avoidance resulted in fewer emojis sent to romantic partners. Additionally, women overall used emojis more than men, with this distinction reflecting interactions mainly with friends and family.
It is important to note that the study’s participants predominantly comprised white, educated, married, English-speaking heterosexual individuals residing in the U.S. However, the authors believe this research paves the way for future studies at the crossroads of psychology, computer-mediated communication, and the examination of attachment styles and emotional intelligence.
The authors conclude: “The ways we communicate virtually may reveal deeper insights about ourselves. It’s not merely a smiley face or heart emoji; it’s a means of expressing meaning and enhancing communication. How you choose to use these symbols reflects something significant about your personality.”
