Emoji Alter the Perception of Emotion in Affectively Neutral Text messages

Abstract Previous studies of emoji effects on text sentiment demonstrate mixed findings. Further, these are limited by confounds, e.g., underlying sentiment, lack ecological validity. We considered the emotional valence affectively neutral English-language messages. additionally differences across US-American, British, and Danish participants. 217 participants screenshots question-and-response message exchanges with/without emoji, in a 4 (emoji type: no negative, neutral, positive) × 3 (nationality: American, Danish) mixed-factors design. Cumulative link mixed-effects models demonstrated that messages + negative were rated more-negatively than any other conditions. Responses positive more-positively condition. responses without perceived as equally emotive. There was type nationality interaction, suggesting consistent Findings viz linguistic processing, social interactions, education, marketing, public health interventions.