Many young people, particularly those from the Gen Z age group, are expressing discomfort with the ‘thumbs up’ emoj i👍, citing its passive-aggressive undertones.
This sentiment was recently highlighted in a Reddit post where a user sought opinions from fellow millennials and Gen Zers about their aversion to this particular emoji.
Reddit User’s Dilemma
The Redditor shared their experience from a new job using Microsoft Teams for work communication.
They explained, “In our office, we have limited emoji reactions, and the ‘thumbs up’ is used extensively. Personally, I don’t use it much. I prefer ‘heart’ reactions or even a quick reply like ‘Great!’ or ‘Thanks!’”
The user described feeling unsettled by the constant use of the thumbs-up emoji, wondering if others felt the same way. This query sparked a flurry of responses, revealing a generational divide in emoji interpretation.
Mixed Reactions from Users
Responses varied widely. One commenter remarked, “If you’re okay with using a heart emoji, I’m puzzled why you avoid the thumbs up. I’ve used the thumbs up to mean ‘I agree’ or ‘okay’ for years before the heart emoji became popular.”
In contrast, a 24-year-old user expressed a different perspective, stating, “For many younger people, including myself, the thumbs-up emoji can come across as passive aggressive.
It feels rude when someone just sends a thumbs up. This generational shift in communication norms means that while older generations might use it regularly, many in my age group find it unsettling.”
The Generational Gap
This generational gap in emoji usage underscores broader differences in communication styles. Another user commented, “The thumbs-up might seem impersonal to you, especially if you value more genuine interactions.”
Conversely, some users felt the issue was being overblown. One added, “I’m embarrassed to be part of Gen Z if we’re making a fuss over a thumbs-up. It’s just an emoji. Don’t read too much into it.”
What Does This Mean for Communication?
As the debate continues, it’s clear that the thumbs-up emoji’s reception varies by generation. Before you hit that emoji button, consider the context and your audience. Unless you intend to convey a specific tone, it might be worth opting for a more personal response.