The Big Five and emoji use in instant messaging: Can emotional indicators in instant messaging reveal personality traits?

Abstract

This study analysed emoji use in instant messaging with the aim of discovering the ways in which personality affects how emoji are used. The Big Five was used to analyse the personality of 99 participants. Results were compared to self-reported data on frequency of messages including emoji, number of emoji included, and which emoji participants use most often. The study found that extraversion, agreeableness, and openness have a significant influence on frequency. Additionally, females send emoji more frequently than males. No variance in number of emoji or emoji selection was found. These findings are similar to other findings on emoji use online, thus suggesting that emoji use may be more consistent across social media platforms than previously reported.