The Evolution of the Coronavirus Emoji: Understanding Its Impact
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Chapter 1: The Rise of the Coronavirus Emoji
The way we communicate about diseases is shifting, particularly with the increasing use of emoji. This shift prompts a reevaluation of how we perceive and design these symbols.
As SARS-CoV-2, commonly referred to as the coronavirus, began to spread, the usage of the 🦠 ("microbe") emoji surged dramatically. Jeremy Burge, the chief emoji officer at Emojipedia, noted that from August 2019 to April 2020, its use skyrocketed by 1,519%, although it still only made up 0.06% of overall emoji utilization. While this emoji may seem like a niche character in our collective pictographic language, it has quickly become the recognized digital shorthand for Covid-19. But where did it originate? Who was behind its creation? And how does this influence our understanding of the rapidly evolving language of emoji?
Google Trends illustrates the rise of the 🦠 emoji, showing its journey since its introduction in June 2018.
Origin of the Emoji
To be included in an operating system update, a new emoji must first be proposed to the Unicode Consortium. This nonprofit organization plays a crucial role in bridging the gap between technology and language, facilitating the use of computers in various languages. Given that emoji are an integral part of this digital lexicon, they fall under the Consortium's oversight.
The proliferation of emoji has outpaced that of any other language, with the total number of emoji growing from 698 in 2010 to 1,317 by 2020. Anyone can propose an emoji, but the proposal must adhere to strict guidelines and present a compelling case for its anticipated popularity.
The 🦠 emoji was initially proposed in April 2017 and was released in 2018 as part of Unicode Version 11.0, a significant update that introduced new skin tones. This proposal, supported by the International Council for Science and the American Geophysical Union, advocated for a wider range of scientific emoji to facilitate discussions about science in everyday communication. The "I Fucking Love Science" Facebook page, which boasts over 25 million followers, served as a testament to the relevance of science in social media. The emoji that emerged from this proposal included: 🦠 🧭 🥽 🥼 🧮 🧪 🧫 🧬 🧯.
The Unicode Emoji Subcommittee (ESC) reviews submissions for new emojis and updates existing ones. Once an emoji is approved, it is up to technology companies to design their interpretations.
The Visual Representation of the Emoji
Depending on the platform, the appearance of the 🦠 emoji can vary significantly. Apple users see a toxic green splatter resembling influenza or HIV, while Android and Twitter users perceive a more generic microbe or bacterium.
Considering the responsibility that comes with approving or rejecting new emoji is essential. The ESC aims to democratize the process by allowing public input while ensuring that each emoji reflects existing global conversations. Its role is to provide symbols for significant themes rather than introduce new concepts or promote specific agendas.
In October 2017, discussions surrounding emoji proposals took a humorous turn when a request for more variations of the 💩 emoji was made. The ESC is, indeed, the gatekeeper of emoji; of the 1,204 requests for new characters, only about 22% were approved. A significant number were denied due to concerns about cluttering the emoji lexicon or introducing unnecessary symbols.
The decision-making process for emoji seems rushed at times, lacking thorough consultation. With emoji evolving into a universal language, there is a growing responsibility to accurately represent global conversations, whether academic or casual.
The Serious Role of Emoji
Emoji's past success can be attributed to three key factors:
- They are accessible to a broad audience and standardized across major tech platforms.
- They are universally understood, transcending language and literacy barriers.
- They are designed to convey emotions, contributing to their charm and appeal.
The most frequently used emojis (😂❤️😍🤣) highlight the context in which they are typically employed: humor, affection, and light-heartedness. Emoji serve as a means to soften conversations and inject personality into communication.
However, the introduction of the 🦟 emoji marked a new chapter. Initially proposed during the Zika outbreak in 2016, the mosquito emoji was seen as a tool to foster awareness about mosquito-borne diseases. The Johns Hopkins Center for Communication Programs endorsed the inclusion of the 🦟 emoji, emphasizing its potential to educate people globally about risks associated with diseases like malaria and dengue.
Through the acceptance of the 🦟 emoji, Unicode not only introduced a new character but also provided a public health tool. This shift implies that emoji are evolving from mere playful symbols to serious instruments for promoting global health awareness.
The Implications of the 🦠 Emoji
Returning to the 🦠 emoji, it raises questions about accuracy. Typing "germ" can yield various emoji representations, including "microbe," "bacteria," "amoeba," or "virus." Scientists recognize that these terms are not interchangeable; some refer to living organisms, while others do not.
As emoji become integral to discussions around public health, precision in representation becomes crucial. Concerns regarding the broad interpretation of the 🦠 emoji arose during its development phase. Linguist Michael Everson suggested that distinct emojis should represent both viruses and bacteria, advocating for greater specificity in public health communication.
The challenges of emoji design can lead to confusion. For instance, if an Apple user attempts to convey the concept of a virus to an Android user using the 🦠 emoji, the Android user may receive a different representation altogether, complicating effective communication.
While there is no substantial evidence that the 🦠 emoji has caused misunderstandings, the growing use of emoji indicates a shifting role. As this visual language continues to expand, it will likely evolve to meet the demands of precise and serious communication, particularly in the context of public health.
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