The Nonverbal Communication Functions of Emoticons in Computer-Mediated Communication

This study examined emoticons as a communication tool that, although presented as verbal cues, perform nonverbal communication functions and termed emoticons quasi-nonverbal cues.

Abstract

Most past studies assume that computer-mediated communication (CMC) lacks nonverbal communication cues. However, Internet users have devised and learned to use emoticons to assist their communications. This study examined emoticons as a communication tool that, although presented as verbal cues, perform nonverbal communication functions. We therefore termed emoticons quasi-nonverbal cues.