Lab Report: Breaching the Emoji Norm in Text Messages
Name: Sierra Warren
Course: WRD210-001- Professor Michael Pennell
Date: September 23, 2025
Assignment: Breaching Experiment – Emoji Rando
Experiment
This experiment involved breaching the unspoken digital norm of using emojis in text
messages to reflect or enhance the mood or content of the message. For two days, I
deliberately added unrelated or inappropriate emojis, such as a crying face to a funny text,
or a rocket emoji to a simple 'ok' to every text message sent to friends, family, and
acquaintances.
Method
1. Over two days, I responded to every incoming text message, whether personal or group,
by inserting at least one emoji that did not match the content or emotional tone of the
message. - Example: Texting 'Had a great time!' with a sad face emoji. - Example: Replying
'Sure, sounds good' with a ghost and taco emoji.
2. I refrained from explaining or acknowledging my unusual emoji use during the
experiment.
3. I documented each recipient’s immediate response and any follow-up communication.
4. Screenshots of sample text conversations (with names and sensitive info redacted) were
collected to serve as proof. Proof can be included as an appendix or within the report, as
directed.
Results
During the experiment, I received a variety of responses:
-- Most ignored the odd emojis, reading the message as usual, or responded using similarly
random emojis, possibly to play along.
- A few acquaintances simply “liked” the message, showing little engagement with the odd
emoji use. Personally, I felt mildly anxious at first, worried that I would accidentally upset or
confuse people. As conversations continued, the experience became more humorous,
especially with friends who started sending back absurd emoji combinations.
Discussion
The experiment highlighted how deeply the digital norm of 'emoji-matching' is ingrained in
texting culture. Most recipients expected a clear relationship between message tone and
emoji choice, and disruptions produced confusion or concern. This supports research
suggesting that emojis serve as nonverbal cues in digital communication, helping people
interpret tone and emotion much like facial expressions in face-to-face interaction (Dresner
& Herring, 2010; Walther & D’Addario, 2001). Some individuals quickly adapted to the
breach, either by mimicking my random emoji use or by disregarding it altogether. This
aligns with findings that digital users can renegotiate meaning when conventions are
unclear (Derks et al., 2008). The likely reason emoji-matching norms developed is that text
lacks vocal tone and body language, making emojis crucial fillers for emotional meaning
(Bai et al., 2019). Breaching this norm revealed how rules of digital etiquette are enforced:
not through punishment, but through confusion, questioning, or playful engagement. This
experiment reflects broader digital etiquette, where hidden rules, such as response times,
tone, and emoji use, shape everyday texting. While not rigidly enforced, these norms still
guide interactions and can cause uncertainty when broken (Stark & Crawford, 2015).
Visual Proof
Below are sample anonymized screenshots from the experiment, showing unusual emoji
use and responses.
References
Bai, Q., Dan, Q., Mu, Z., & Yang, M. (2019). A systematic review of emoji: Current research
and future perspectives. Frontiers in Psychology, 10, 2221.
[Link]
Derks, D., Bos, A. E. R., & Von Grumbkow, J. (2008). Emoticons and social interaction on the
Internet: The importance of social context. Computers in Human Behavior, 24(5), 2239–
2251. [Link]
Dresner, E., & Herring, S. C. (2010). Functions of the nonverbal in CMC: Emoticons and
illocutionary force. Communication Theory, 20(3), 249–268.
[Link]
Stark, L., & Crawford, K. (2015). The conservatism of emoji: Work, affect, and
communication. Social media + Society, 1(2). [Link]
Walther, J. B., & D’Addario, K. P. (2001). The impacts of emoticons on message
interpretation in computer-mediated communication. Social Science Computer Review,
19(3), 324–347. [Link]