Some members of Generation Z have said that the popular thumbs up emoji can be 'passive aggressive'.
The topic is currently trending on Twitter - with even the Mail Online saying that "NOBODY should be using the 'thumbs up' emoji in 2022". However, it's fair to say that opinions are divided on the issue.
Some seem to think that merely responding to a post or a message with with a thumbs up is dismissive. And it's been causing concern for the younger generation - typically aged under 25 - for some time.
Back in December 2021, a Reddit user described it as an " unsettling response". Dry_Interaction6220 posted: "I started an 'adult' job where we use Microsoft Teams to connect with each other for work. Currently, there only a few emojis you can use to react to a message (unless of course, you respond, and can use any emoji).
"Most people at work use the 'thumbs up' reaction all the time. I don't use it much. I either 'heart' reactions or reply even if it's a short "Great!" or "Thanks!" (I also feel like I use too many exclamation marks, but that's a different story).
Anyway, I think it's normal to 'thumbs up' messages, but I still feel like it's such an unsettling response. Does anyone else feel this way?"
HuaAnNi replied: "The general consensus I see with all my friends and all over the internet is that it’s way rude. There are memes and posts about it.
"You see people reply to dumb comments with the emoji, etc. it’s super savage. Definitely had to reprogram my gut reaction to seeing the thumbs up react or reply from coworkers."
However, not all Gen Z-ers agree. 18-yearold daddybestho posted: "I am 18 I use thumbs up as way to say got it or like it or something similar to that . I never use heart at work that’s just personal."
And AceyAceyAcey - who is an ancient Generation Xer - replied: "Agree, to me the heart is reserved for friends and family, and has a more intimate meaning of love, while thumbs up is just simple agreeing. I’m 43."
Over on Twitter, the debate is still raging. Christine Richardson - who describes themself as 'pasty and neurotic' in their twitter bio - tweeted: "Look I don’t make the rules but the thumbs up emoji is passive aggressive. Idk why, it’s bad vibes." Their tweet was, of course, greeted with a barrage of 'thumbs ups'.
And Drift - whose Twitter bio claims to be a Army Special Operations Veteran - says: "The thumbs up emoji is so passive aggressive, I can’t really explain it"
However, @fulguritemina tweeted: "I hate that I qualify as a Gen-Zer because of my age because I couldn’t be more different than the majority because of my older sister. How is the thumbs up emoji something negative?"
And it seems that heart emoji may also be falling out of favour. A survey of 2,000 people Perspectus Global showed that most 16 to 29 year-olds say you are “officially old” if you use thumbs-up or heart emoji. Crying faces, OK fingers, the monkey covering eyes, clapping hands and grimacing face emojis are also frowned upon, according to the New York Post.
At this rate, we'll all have to start using words to communicate. The horror.
For more stories from where you live, visit InYourArea.
Find recommendations for eating out, attractions and events near you here on our sister website 2Chill
Find recommendations for dog owners and more doggy stories on our sister site Teamdogs
