The Influence of Social Media on Language Evolution: A Study of Emoji Usage in Online Communication.

Thesis Abstract

Abstract
Social media platforms have become integral parts of modern communication, significantly impacting various aspects of language use and evolution. This thesis explores the influence of social media on language evolution, focusing specifically on the usage of emojis in online communication. Emojis, pictorial symbols used to convey emotions, have gained widespread popularity and have become an essential component of digital communication. This research aims to investigate how the use of emojis in online communication has influenced language evolution, particularly in terms of expression and interpretation of emotions. The study will employ a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative analysis of emoji usage data from popular social media platforms with qualitative analysis of user perceptions and attitudes towards emojis. A sample of social media users will be surveyed to gather insights into their emoji usage patterns, preferences, and perceptions. Additionally, a corpus analysis of emoji usage in online communication will be conducted to identify trends and patterns in emoji usage across different platforms and user demographics. The findings of this research are expected to shed light on the role of emojis in language evolution and their impact on communication dynamics in the digital age. By examining the relationship between emojis and language use, this study aims to contribute to a better understanding of how social media influences linguistic practices and shapes the evolution of language in online communication contexts. The implications of this research extend to various fields, including linguistics, communication studies, and digital media, offering valuable insights into the changing nature of language in the digital era. Overall, this thesis seeks to provide a comprehensive analysis of the influence of social media on language evolution through the study of emoji usage in online communication. By examining the role of emojis as linguistic tools in digital communication, this research contributes to a deeper understanding of the evolving dynamics of language use in the context of social media platforms.