The Emoji Revolution: How Technology is Shaping the Future of Communication - Softcover

Seargeant, Philip

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1108721796 ISBN 13: 9781108721790

Publisher: Cambridge University Press, 2019

Synopsis

Where have emoji come from? Why are they so popular? What do they tell us about the technology-enhanced state of modern society? Far from simply being an amusing set of colourful little symbols, emoji are in the front line of a revolution in the way we communicate. As a form of global, image-based communication, they're a perfect example of the ingenuity and creativity at the heart of human interaction. But they're also a parable for the way that consumerism now permeates all parts of our daily existence, taking a controlling interest even in the language we use; and of how technology is becoming ever more entangled in our everyday lives. So how will this split-identity affect the way that online communication develops? Are emoji ushering in a bold new era of empathy and emotional engagement on the internet? Or are they a first sign that we're handing over the future of human interaction to the machines?

About this title

Book Description

Ideal for general readers as well as students and researchers of language, linguistics and communication, this book examines the evolution of emoji, how people use them, and what they can teach us about the nature of language, as well as our relationships with technology, society and ourselves.

About the Author

Philip Seargeant is the author of several books on topics ranging from language and social media, linguistic creativity, to English around the world. His most recent work focuses on language, communication and politics, and the influence and impact on this of new technologies.

Edition details

• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Publication date: 2019
• ISBN 10: 1108721796
• ISBN 13: 9781108721790
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 238