An emoji expert from Dublin is cautioning against digital faux pas that could offend Gen Z. Keith Broni, 32, the editor-in-chief of emojipedia, deciphers the nuanced meanings behind our favorite icons.
Keith warns against using certain emojis inappropriately, like the eggplant or peach, which have taken on sexual connotations that might not be suitable for all contexts.
According to Keith, emojis are quickly replacing traditional punctuation marks and are gaining popularity in everyday communication.
However, he advises restraint in formal settings where emojis might undermine the seriousness of the conversation.
 Gen Z’s disdain for the thumbs-up emoji has been noted, viewing it as passive-aggressive rather than positive reinforcement.
Keith also points out that a simple ‘slight smile’ emoji can be misinterpreted as performative or insincere by younger generations.
Recent reports echo these sentiments, suggesting that Gen Z perceives the thumbs-up emoji as confrontational and dismissive.
One Reddit user highlighted the generational gap, mentioning how older colleagues’ use of the thumbs-up emoji made them feel criticized or disliked.
 Instead of ambiguous emojis, Keith recommends using expressive ones to clarify emotional intent, especially in digital communications.
 Emojis, as Keith describes, are tools for enhancing emotional expression and fostering rapport among peers.
However, he advises caution in professional settings, suggesting that one mirrors the communication style of senior colleagues.
 Keith emphasizes the importance of ensuring that emojis appear correctly on all devices to avoid misunderstandings.
He cites past issues with emoji variations across platforms, like the infamous ‘rolling eyes’ emoji discrepancy between Samsung and iPhone.
Moreover, Keith shares anecdotes about emojis being repurposed unexpectedly, such as the TikTok trend that turned the chair emoji into a symbol of laughter.
To navigate this evolving landscape of digital communication, Keith recommends consulting resources like emojipedia.org.
With his expertise, Keith Broni continues to enlighten users on the evolving etiquette of emoji usage across different generations and contexts.