Emoticons — cute — but essential in this online world

by Jillian Zavitz

Have you ever had someone misread what you wrote, either in a chat message or email? It has happened to me more than a bazillion times. Apparently people can read emotions through typed words… and act upon them, by calling them out, and finding out what the problem-o is and how to fix it.  Which is funny because in *real life* I doubt that there is any confusion, and if there was no one would confront it.  It’s just in our nature — and having everything virtual makes things anonymous and not so *real*.

In my typing it has become almost habit to include the “:)” as part of everything.  I have to make sure that my mood is being displayed and in the right way.  I hate getting into the whole he said/she said things, especially online.  Talk about headache!

I also think that although smiley faces may not be 100% professional I think that they lighten up the mood a bit and make things fun.  Of course it depends on the situation — sometimes first communications with super important business people the smiley faces are non existent.  But after a meeting or two out they come :) (just now.. that was a random reflex) I’m happy and I want you to know! :) (again!!!)

Now on chat programs there are a ton of fun emoticons available — I just figured out a few cool hidden skype ones, and some facebook ones.  Yes, they add a little LOL to the chat messages but for me just basic :) works just fine.

What do you think? Are emoticons only for teeny boppers? Or can someone use them in a semi professional way as well? I’d like to hear your thoughts — leave me a comment!! :)