Research: "Emoji is not for the elders." Really?

It is a myth that people always believe that the young people are very easy to approach to technology, in contrast, the elders not. When I found out my dad using emojis when he messages at first time, I was surprised. Then I realised stereotyping emojis and thought about the elders will not use emoji is a big mistake.

I decide, using my lunch break time to do a primary research around my university in order to find out Emoji is for the elders or not. By adopting the "Personal Inventory" Method by IDEO, I am be able to revealing people's activities, perceptions and values as well as pattern among them.

So, How to do it? I will ask and document the emojis that people identify as important to them as a way of cataloging evidence of their lifestyles.

I start asking people from 40 years old to 70 years old. That is not surprised me that all participants gives me an answer regarding to their favourite emoji. A 60s years old madame tells me, she think the red heart emoji is the most important one for her. Because LOVE is the most important thing in the world. Also, a 40s years old mademe who never uses emoji gives me her answer: the smiley face. She says, "Like to see people use it although personally I won't use."

The research simply shows emoji is not harmful and people willing to see them, however, some people may do not know how to use them. As people need to install the emoji keyboard in ios system, some people like my mom just do not know where to find these happy faces.

DoSomething.org designed a service that intended to inspire grandkids across the country to teach their possibly aloof grandparents how to properly use technology, with specific attention paid to the deceptively complex language of emoji.

"Using smartphones improves the health of older adults," DoSomething noted in a statement, "but 77 percent of seniors need help getting started." The solution, as outlined in the program, is using your innate ease with technology to ensure that elder generations are able to stay connected to the rest of their respective fams. If you can be bothered with signing up to receive tips and facts regarding grandparents vs. tech, then you'll also be entered to land a $10,000 scholarship.

Dosomething.org states that 81,247 members was participented and 11,198 older adults were taught. This is a great way that using emoji to built communication beyond generations, and this is every younger people can do without pressure. So why not, text our grandparents?

#Opinoin