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Adolescence: Why young people communicate differently online and the role emojis play

Article source: BEE SECURE
https://www.bee-secure.lu/fr/news/adolescence-pourquoi-les-jeunes-communiquent-differemment-en-ligne-et-quel-role-jouent-les-emojis/

Today, much of everyday life for many young people takes place online. The internet is no longer simply a source of information or a way to pass the time. It is a living environment with its own rules, codes and meeting places.

Just as in the physical world, different generations perceive this space differently. The Netflix series “Adolescence” illustrates this reality and raises important questions, particularly for parents, educators and teachers.

One place, many meanings: Seeing the world through different eyes

Consider an example from real life: the square in front of the cathedral in Luxembourg City. For many adults, it is a place steeped in history; for young people, it is a skateboarding spot. A simple public bench may be part of a playground setting for some or become an after-school meeting place for others.

The same applies to the internet. While adults may primarily view platforms such as TikTok or Instagram as entertainment media, young people also find a sense of belonging, a means of self-expression and a community there—and sometimes even guidance or meaning.

These different perspectives can easily lead to misunderstandings, especially when people do not speak the same language. This applies not only to words, but also to emojis.

Emojis: More than colourful pictures?

Something that appears harmless at first glance can have a much deeper meaning in everyday digital life. Emojis are an integral part of young people’s online communication. They replace non-verbal signals, help express emotions and can be used very differently across communities.

In some cases, they even acquire specific meanings or become codes that are not immediately understandable to outsiders.

A scene from the series “Adolescence” clearly shows how certain emojis are used as codes within particular online subcultures. In this case, they are symbols associated with the so-called “manosphere”, a digital environment in which misogynistic ideologies circulate, among other things.

The emojis refer to the “incel” community—short for involuntary celibates—which consists of men who consider themselves socially disadvantaged and develop frustration with or hostility towards women.

More information about the term “incel”: https://fr.wiktionary.org/wiki/incel

Examples from the series:

  • 🧨 Dynamite: represents an incel—a man who feels marginalised by society.

  • 💯 100 emoji: symbolises the “80/20 rule”, according to which only a small number of men are considered attractive. This argument is frequently repeated on incel forums.

  • 💊 Red pill: refers to the supposed “realisation” that women are manipulative and men are systematically disadvantaged.

However, it is important to remember that emojis are not inherently dangerous. In the vast majority of cases, they are simply used to emphasise a message or add an element of fun.

Parents and teachers do not need to worry about every emoji. Nevertheless, it is important to remain attentive when several signs suggest exposure to problematic content or involvement with certain groups.

An overview of common emoji codes and their possible meanings, including in problematic contexts, is available in an article published by DER STANDARD:
https://www.derstandard.de/story/3000000263025/mobbing-drogen-sex-emoji-codes-die-eltern-kennen-sollten

What parents, teachers and educators can do

Although it is impossible to know every digital subculture or decode every emoji, there are ways for adults to support young people without having to master every detail of the emoji world.

  1. Remain open

Talk to your child about their online experiences without judging them or jumping to conclusions. Showing interest rather than trying to control them helps build a trusting relationship.

  1. Explore together

Look at the apps and content they use together. Ask what particular symbols or trends mean. Young people are often willing to explain them.

  1. Recognise warning signs

Pay attention to behavioural changes, withdrawal, declining school performance or unusual statements. These may indicate emotional distress or exposure to problematic content.

  1. Encourage critical thinking

Encourage young people to approach online content critically. Discuss disinformation, algorithms and how they can be identified:
https://www.bee-secure.lu/fr/risks/desinformation/

  1. Use support services

If you have concerns or feel that your child is going through a difficult time, you can contact the BEE SECURE Helpline. This counselling service is free, anonymous and available by calling 8002 1234 or through the following contact form:
https://www.bee-secure.lu/fr/helpline/

An invitation to dialogue, not panic

The series “Adolescence” shows how complex the digital world can be for young people, but also how understanding matters far more than anxiety.

Not every emoji is a warning sign, and not every trend is problematic. What matters is how we respond: with openness, trust and a willingness to engage in dialogue.

Series and topics like these can provide an opportunity for honest conversations about different perceptions, forms of digital expression and feelings of belonging, as well as rejection, hatred and gender stereotypes.

The better we understand one another, the better we can work together to build a safe digital environment.

Additional information and resources