Gender Fluidity and the Digital Age: Performance of Gender in WhatsApp Emojis
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.62843/jssr.v6i3.746Keywords:
Emojis, Digital Age, Gender Performativity, Digital Communication, WhatsApp EmojisAbstract
Gender as a social construct continues to evolve with shifting societal norms, emphasizing inclusivity and diversity in all aspects of life. Efforts to break away from traditional gender norms are evident in many areas, including digital communication. One example is the introduction of gender neutral emojis, which offer more inclusive ways for people to express themselves. The article analyzes WhatsApp’s emoji collection, focusing on how gender neutral emojis promote the idea of gender fluidity. By reviewing and categorizing these emojis, the article examines their design features such as clothing, hairstyles, and expressions, and how they avoid strict gender labels. This analysis shows how these emojis reflect a broader cultural movement towards inclusivity, providing a small but meaningful way to challenge traditional ideas of gender in everyday communication.
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