Be More Internet Friendly

Ever encountered these things?           8-)  They are called “Smileys” or “Emoticons” - Emotion Icons. These emoticons is used to express one’s emotion in text. Putting these on emails, comments, chats, etc. will definitely make them more expressive, and more friendly. I’m one avid fan of emoticons, as a matter of fact, 90% of my comments and chats contains emoticons. However, not only emoticons can help express emotions through text. There’s also CAPITAL LETTERS, Exclamation Point!, (symbols) @%#^&*$((*#, and (direct text) *sob* *huhu* *haha* *zZzZz* *joking*.

Subtle emotions and meanings can be difficult to transmit through text, as well as satire and humor. These may be misinterpreted as sarcasm, rudeness or an insult. Perhaps these are just result of being absent minded or poor structure of phrase, and not intended the way it was perceived. Putting suitable smileys or other emotion text can save them from being misunderstood.

Ex: “Of course not. I’d rather go alone.”

vs

“Of course not! I’d rather go alone. *kidding*”

Expressing emotions should be used sparingly and responsibly. Thus these may also gravitate anger and other unpleasant expressions.

Usage of Emotions:

Capital Letters

• Avoid using capital letters if it is not necessary. Capital letters designates SHOUTING and can be considered rude.

Ex: “THIS IS NOT THE WAY IT SHOULD BE.”

• There are times when capital letters are used to emphasize a word. Use underline, asterisk, italic, or bold instead.

Ex: “This is not the way it should be.”

Exclamation Point

• Exclamation point really gives that (uhmph!) strong feeling in a particular statement. It can express the feeling of surprise, excitement, or anger. Be careful using this with capital letters for it may intensify the statement and might be misinterpreted as furiousness.
  

Ex: “THIS IS NOT THE WAY IT SHOULD BE!”

Others might also put a lot of exclamations that can further intensify the statement.

Ex: “THIS IS NOT THE WAY IT SHOULD BE!!!”

Smileys/Emoticons

• In my opinion, smileys are the simplest and most basic but very effective way to express one’s emotion.
  

Here are some of the most commonly used smileys:

• Though emoticons are very easy to use, remember to use it properly. Putting inappropriate emoticons in a certain situation may be insulting. Remember to be sensitive.
  

Ex: “Condolence. “

“May you have more birthdays to come. “

“You failed the exam? “

• In blogging, try to minimize the usage of emoticons on posts. For some readers may find it somewhat…unprofessional.

Expressing our emotions over the internet can lead us to two things: to have more friends and to not have friends at all. It is just a matter of how you use it to express yourself.

Related posts:

1. Create A Better Internet: The Internet Etiquette