A fresh lineup of emojis will soon offer new ways to express emotions in our digital conversations. From tired faces with dark circles to leafless trees, these symbols reflect contemporary concerns and cultural trends. Here’s what you can expect from the latest emoji update.
By Aubree Ross
Expanding the Emoji Palette
The Unicode Consortium has announced a new set of emojis for release in early 2025, featuring symbols like a dead tree, a frustrated face with dark circles, and red beets. These additions aim to reflect evolving societal issues, such as climate change and environmental crises. According to Unicode, the dead tree emoji highlights the global impact of droughts, while the tired face symbolizes rising mental health awareness. Device manufacturers will implement these emojis through software updates, so availability will vary.
The Process Behind New Emojis
Proposing a new emoji to Unicode involves a detailed application explaining its cultural or functional value. Notable examples from past years include the rejection of “lasagna” and “e-cigarette” emojis due to insufficient justification. Successful emojis must resonate across cultures and be adaptable for global use. Alongside this year’s approved additions, a “hairy creature” resembling the Yeti and a “fighting cloud” evoke both humor and creativity.
Emojis as Communication Tools
Research underscores the growing importance of emojis in digital communication. Studies by Adobe found that emoji users are perceived as more likable and approachable. Additionally, a study by Indiana University highlighted that frequent emoji users tend to have higher emotional intelligence, using these symbols to bridge language gaps and enhance communication. Emojis have become essential in expressing nuanced emotions, fostering connections across cultures and communities.
Corporate Adoption and Cultural Impact
Some companies have embraced the emoji trend, “adopting” specific symbols through donations to Unicode. Red Lobster and Ford are notable examples, using emojis to strengthen their branding and appeal. As emojis continue to evolve, they reflect not only personal emotions but also global issues, merging art and technology in digital expression.
The upcoming emojis showcase the power of visual language in representing our times.
Based on content from www.futurezone.at and own research.