• Dr.Riya Mukhopadhyay

Emojis have emerged as integral elements of informal digital communication, allowing users to convey emotions, tone, and intent in text-based interactions. Especially among youth and students, emojis serve as visual cues that enhance expression and reduce ambiguity in digital conversations. This study explores how journalism and mass communication students engage with emojis in their daily peer-to-peer communication through messaging apps and social media. It aims to understand how emojis contribute to emotional expression, social bonding, and communicative practices in digitally mediated environments. The research draws on theoretical perspectives such as Social Presence Theory and Uses and Gratifications Theory to frame emoji usage as both a relational and expressive behavior. A quantitative, survey-based methodology was adopted to investigate these communication patterns. Data was collected from a purposive sample of 150 undergraduate students currently enrolled in journalism and mass communication programs. The structured questionnaire captured information on emoji usage frequency, contexts of use, emotional and relational perceptions, and preferred platforms. This study situates emoji usage within broader discussions on evolving visual languages in digital culture and provides insights into how emerging media professionals use nonverbal symbols to foster connection, identity, and inclusivity in online communication.

Emojis, Informal digital communication, social connection, social media, Journalism and mass communication students

"Emojis in Informal Digital Communication: Influence on Social Connection among Journalism and Mass Communication Students", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.12, Issue 5, page no.c300-c310, May-2025, Available :http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2505237.pdf

"Emojis in Informal Digital Communication: Influence on Social Connection among Journalism and Mass Communication Students", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org | UGC and issn Approved), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.12, Issue 5, page no. ppc300-c310, May-2025, Available at : http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2505237.pdf