Emojis are 🔥 right now. Netflix’s Adolescence hinges on them. The US national security adviser, Mike Waltz, celebrates bombing Yemen with them. Prince William has a fondness for the aubergine.
Emoji use may seem childish or trite, but it’s not a passing fad. It’s increasingly a language in its own right and evolving fast. Not so long ago, few would bother searching for an icon when just typing a word is clearer and – crucially – quicker. That was then. Now, more and more people lean on those ubiquitous little icons.
