RE: Modern life is (confused face symbol)
Mat, like you, I am in my fifties and much prefer words. Whole words. However, in a world where things demand more and more immediate attention, and one is often forced to "friend"* how I hate some of these new verbs) people with whom one might, just might, have a passing acquaintance, I find that a teary emoji is quite useful. I can't express condolences where there really are none to express although I can feel empathy. An emoji (and like you I wasn't sure when an emoticon became an emoji, so happy for the elucidation) does the trick.
On the other hand, there are times when I use an emoji on a public platform and perhaps a few apt words and then I take the conversation into a more intimate space and where the words are whole and, I hope meaningful.
*and this is an entirely different discussion.... ;)
Thanks for your perspective, Fiona. It is always useful to see things through another's eyes.
I do have to begrudgingly admit that the odd emoji or two can be an effective and quick way to communicate. When you look at the myriad options available though, I have to say I wonder if this is a new language developing, and I wonder what its purpose might be.
Yes, to use the sad/teary symbol to a passing acquaintance might be appropriate, I can accept that, but I have seen it used by people who are far more than a passing acquaintance. I suppose that to me it is such a dismissive, superficial thing to do (in a certain context), and I find myself rallying against the superficial and disingenuous more and more as the years tick by. It is one of my bugbears.
I was trying to write a piece that was more funny than anything else! It appears I may have missed my mark!
Actually, the satirical side of things hadn't escaped me, but perhaps because just this morning, I decided to respond to a friend's Facebook post with a sad face and then private message her, it was a little close to home. I also can't stomach getting notified everytime someone else comments....and then I forget to turn off the comments... c'est la vie :D ;)
Ha. We are very similar, you and I.
It was my fault - I did get all serious halfway through the blog. I need to decide on what it is I am trying to say!