The "Wow!" emoji

[Amelia B]

I have seen it used for two different things. Sometimes it expresses shocked disapproval and sometimes it is being used to express interested surprise or something like that. Usually from context, I can tell what the emoji user is trying to say, but sometimes I can't tell whether the person is approving or disapproving of a post. I wish there were another emoji to choose from to make surprise (wow, neat!) distinct from disapproval (wow, you're an %@&*!). What do you guys think?

 

[caroln]

I have seen it used for two different things. Sometimes it expresses shocked disapproval and sometimes it is being used to express interested surprise or something like that. Usually from context, I can tell what the emoji user is trying to say, but sometimes I can't tell whether the person is approving or disapproving of a post. I wish there were another emoji to choose from to make surprise (wow, neat!) distinct from disapproval (wow, you're an %@&*!). What do you guys think?

Agree.

 

[MarkinPhx]

I usually use the emoji to express "shock" or "wow" but not necessarily in a negative way. I wouldn't use a "dislike" option if available but that's just me. I just move on.

 

[caroln]

I haven't used the dislike emoji either except once or twice on some extremely incendiary posts.

 

[PeppermintPatty]

For me, it’s just an emoji. I think if you read too much into anything, you do yourself a real disservice and I think this is one of them.
Who knows what the emoji user was thinking and more importantly, who cares. I’m not knocking your thread. I just think there’s too much emphasis given to a cartoon face.

 

[Amelia B]

For me, it’s just an emoji. I think if you read too much into anything, you do yourself a real disservice and I think this is one of them.
Who knows what the emoji user was thinking and more importantly, who cares. I’m not knocking your thread. I just think there’s too much emphasis given to a cartoon face.

I have been told all my life that I "think too much" LOL. It's just the way I'm made, but I'd probably be better off with your way. I will try harder.

 

[Amelia B]

I haven't used the dislike emoji either except once or twice on some extremely incendiary posts.

I haven't used the angry face dislike one either.

 

[PeppermintPatty]

I have been told all my life that I "think too much" LOL. It's just the way I'm made, but I'd probably be better off with your way. I will try harder.

Exactly MY problem which is why I understand it! I add meaning where there is none. lol! We have a lot of similarities. It’s something I definitely have to try harder at

 

[caroln]

I don't know, sometimes when I see a "wow" on a post I've made, it makes me wonder if I crossed a line somewhere and was rude or insensitive to someone. Not over-thinking, just a little concerned. I try to think that it was meant in a positive way though.

 

[PeppermintPatty]

I haven't used the angry face dislike one either.

I have!
Not often but have.
Im definitely over emotional.

 

[Amelia B]

This is probably oversharing, but the reason the emojis are important to me is because I am high-functioning autism spectrum, as is my daughter, and getting social cues correct can be difficult. What we see in someone's expression (or emoji) could be different than what the majority of the populace sees, and it causes problems with relationships sometimes. The cartoon faces really help me know and understand what someone might be thinking.

 

[Amelia B]

I don't know, sometimes when I see a "wow" on a post I've made, it makes me wonder if I crossed a line somewhere and was rude or insensitive to someone. Not over-thinking, just a little concerned. I try to think that it was meant in a positive way though.

I have the same thoughts!

 

[PeppermintPatty]

This is probably oversharing, but the reason the emojis are important to me is because I am high-functioning autism spectrum, as is my daughter, and getting social cues correct can be difficult. What we see in someone's expression (or emoji) could be different than what the majority of the populace sees, and it causes problems with relationships sometimes. The cartoon faces really help me know and understand what someone might be thinking.

Is that Asperger’s by any chance?
No need to answer if you don’t feel comfortable.

 

[Amelia B]

Is that Asperger’s by any chance?
No need to answer if you don’t feel comfortable.

Yes, Asperger's-- but sadly they decided not to use that term anymore and just combined all the autism spectrum disorders together as ASD. Personally, I liked it better when they used Aspeger's.

 

[Nathan]

I use the emoji to express "wow" "neat" or "shocking", but not as disapproval.
Sometimes people will attach the emoji to my posts, I can't tell if they are reacting to the topic or if they hate my guts.

 

[Amelia B]

I use the emoji to express "wow" "neat" or "shocking", but not as disapproval.
Sometimes people will attach the emoji to my posts, I can't tell if they are reacting to the topic or if they hate my guts.

I would feel the same way I tend to take things personally, so I would probably feel like they hated me.

 

[Myrtle]

I would feel the same way I tend to take things personally, so I would probably feel like they hated me.

Amelia, you are a nice person. As you've pointed out emojis can have different meanings. Some forums use a number system to register approval or disapproval, 1 thru 5 for example.

Posting on a public forum means that even though you are really nice to everyone sooner or later someone will disapprove. Let it be water off a duck's back.

 

[hollydolly]

I have seen it used for two different things. Sometimes it expresses shocked disapproval and sometimes it is being used to express interested surprise or something like that. Usually from context, I can tell what the emoji user is trying to say, but sometimes I can't tell whether the person is approving or disapproving of a post. I wish there were another emoji to choose from to make surprise (wow, neat!) distinct from disapproval (wow, you're an %@&*!). What do you guys think?

I agree, I've thought about it on a number of occasions, and I too with there was one that clearly expressed the difference between a pleasant surprise and or a horrifying shock... or disaproval

 

[hearlady]

I use it as a "wow" option.
I've commented before that I wish there was a hug option without a cute smile. Sometimes I want to send a sweet hug but sometimes it calls for a serious hug.

 

[Amelia B]

I use it as a "wow" option.
I've commented before that I wish there was a hug option without a cute smile. Sometimes I want to send a sweet hug but sometimes it calls for a serious hug.

Yeah! You're right!

 

[MrPants]

I use the emoji to express "wow" "neat" or "shocking", but not as disapproval.
Sometimes people will attach the emoji to my posts, I can't tell if they are reacting to the topic or if they hate my guts.

I agree with this! Exactly the way I use these emoji symbols.

 

[CallMeKate]

I have seen it used for two different things. Sometimes it expresses shocked disapproval and sometimes it is being used to express interested surprise or something like that. Usually from context, I can tell what the emoji user is trying to say, but sometimes I can't tell whether the person is approving or disapproving of a post. I wish there were another emoji to choose from to make surprise (wow, neat!) distinct from disapproval (wow, you're an %@&*!). What do you guys think?

I've actually used it both ways. The one that I have trouble interpreting sometimes is the red-faced "anger" one... never know if someone is angry at the subject of a post, or at something the poster said. When it's all said and done, I decide it doesn't really matter to me either way.

 

[CallMeKate]

I use the emoji to express "wow" "neat" or "shocking", but not as disapproval.
Sometimes people will attach the emoji to my posts, I can't tell if they are reacting to the topic or if they hate my guts

OH! I just said the same thing, @Nathan ! If I'd actually care what was meant, I'd probably ask... maybe in private, but it would have to really be bothersome.

 

[Amelia B]

I've actually used it both ways. The one that I have trouble interpreting sometimes is the red-faced "anger" one... never know if someone is angry at the subject of a post, or at something the poster said. When it's all said and done, I decide it doesn't really matter to me either way.

Ambiguity is difficult. I think it overworks our brains. I guess it is a good exercise in letting it go and not letting it matter, like you said. (but of course I'd still rather know! )

 

[fuzzybuddy]

seems to me to not be happy about what's upsetting it. Then it dawned me that I was trying to determine the emotional status of an emoji.