Emojis, which originated in Japan in 1999, gained global popularity with the rise of messaging apps like WhatsApp and social networks. Shigetaka Kurita, the designer responsible for creating emojis, worked at a telecommunication company. But, are you familiar with the correct way to use emojis?
The creation of emojis was inspired by popular manga, signage plates, and Japanese culture, resulting in over 176 emojis. Today, Meta, the company behind WhatsApp, Facebook, and Instagram, is responsible for creating emojis.
How can I tell if I’m using the right emoji?
A single emoji can have multiple meanings based on how it is interpreted by the recipient, influenced by culture and context. For instance, the emoji of a face with a hand on the chin can signify either doubt or outrage, depending on the situation.
Before sending an emoji to a friend, it’s important to consider that the recipient may interpret it differently than intended.

How to verify the interpretation of emojis
Another interesting emoji is the heart with a dot below it, which is commonly used by many people. But do you understand its significance? This particular emoji can symbolize various things such as:
- The depiction of Jesus’ sacred heart symbolizes the beliefs of the Catholic religion.
- An alternative method to highlight a point by using a more entertaining element instead of the usual rating system.
- A bleeding heart, representing sorrow or grief, adds a poignant element to the discussion.

The online encyclopedia for emojis
Emojipedia is an online resource that serves as a dictionary for emojis, providing information on their meanings, origins, and usage across various social media platforms like WhatsApp, Instagram, and TikTok. The website is regularly updated to ensure users understand how to correctly utilize these symbols.
When using an emoji, it’s important to keep in mind that it may carry a different or deeper meaning than expected. Emojipedia is a helpful resource for clarifying any uncertainty.