| dc.description.abstract | The research was about digital communication but the researcher focused on the use
of emoji in WhatsApp interactions, aimed at identifying the frequency, types, and functions
of emoji as used by the deaf community. Emoji are visual symbols that represent emotions,
gestures, and ideas, and are often employed to enrich meaning in text-based
communication. In this study, the object of the research was the WhatsApp communication
of members of Yayasan Khadijah Sharaswaty Indonesia (KSI), with the main purpose of
exploring how emoji serve as visual tools that support everyday interaction among deaf
participants.
The research applied a descriptive quantitative approach, using questionnaires
distributed to 56 respondents. Two measurement scales were used: a frequency scale (never,
seldom, often, always) and a Likert scale (strongly disagree, disagree, agree, strongly
agree). Descriptive statistics were applied to analyze the data and provide an overview of
patterns in emoji usage.
The results show that most respondents reported using emoji either “often” or
“seldom,” with only a few indicating “never.” In terms of types, facial expression emoji
were the most dominant, followed by heart symbols, hand or gesture emoji, object-based
emoji, and those with variations of skin tone or gender. Regarding function, respondents
agreed that emoji help express emotions, clarify message intent, shorten explanations,
replace words, give quick reactions, and create a friendlier atmosphere in communication.
The findings confirm the relevance of Computer Mediated Communication, Social
Information Processing, Social Presence, and Affordances theory, and highlight emoji as a
vital visual bridge in digital communication among the deaf community. | |
