Machiavellian traits and narcissism: what your emojis say about you
You may fondly imagine that tacking on a cheerful 😊 will convey breezy affability or that a rakish 😎 suggests a devil-may-care swagger. Alas, you could be gravely mistaken.
Research suggests that peppering your messages with these symbols may be less a testament to your sunny disposition and more a window into your darker psychological recesses.
Since their introduction in 1999, emojis have become an inescapable feature of human communication, infiltrating everything from casual texts to corporate memos. Psychologists have now set themselves the task of decoding what lies beneath these digital hieroglyphics. The results suggest that a person's emoji habits can disclose more than they intend.
The study questioned 285 undergraduates with an average age of about 20 about their use of 40 symbols. The participants also completed questionnaires designed to reveal their personality traits.
The results show that among males, heavy emoji use was linked to Machiavellian tendencies and neuroticism, characteristics associated with manipulativeness and mood swings. For women, a fondness for emojis was tied to narcissism.
In other words, a man who eagerly fires off emojis may covertly be trying to bend you to their capricious will, while a woman drowning her messages in hearts and sparkles might be seeking to burnish her personal brand.
Overall, women used emojis more liberally than men, possibly because they use social media and text messaging more.
Women used more emojis than men
MEMENTOJPEG/GETTY IMAGES
There was, however, a small subset of six emojis that were used more by men, including the 'pile of poo', the 'exploding head' and the 'face screaming in fear'. We can only speculate as to the nuanced emotional states being conveyed.
Previous studies had suggested that introverts most often reached for the symbols. Not so, said the new research, which has been published in the journal Current Psychology. Among both males and females, extroverts were the most enthusiastic users.
The findings join a growing body of scholarship on smiley faces and face-palm icons. Another paper, published in 2019, found that students were far more likely to respond well to a task from an academic who used emojis. However, reinforcing the adage that familiarity breeds contempt, they were also more likely to doubt the teacher's competence. In 2018, a survey suggested that more than a third of British adults believed that emojis were to blame for the deterioration of the English language.
Beyond providing fuel for anxious self-reflection, the latest results may carry implications for marketers, campaigners and others interested in the dark arts of persuasion. The researchers note that 'increasingly, companies are mining the contents of social media posts to estimate information about social media users' characteristics'.
Emojis could, they believe, furnish valuable clues for 'psychographic profiling' — the practice of targeting individuals based on their innermost traits, whether for selling consumer goods or shaping voting behaviour.
For now, the analysis of emojis remains relatively rare in such efforts. But in the future, your choice of a wink over a thumbs-up may help determine which adverts you see.
Until then, be aware: when you next send a face crying with laughter, it may not mean what you think.
What your emojis might actually mean
A study published in the journal PLOS One in December found that people who frequently used emojis with potential partners went on to engage in more romantic and sexual activities over time.
Another study found that over-60s frequently struggled to interpret some emojis. A symbol representing surprise — a small yellow face looking speechless with its eyes wide open and eyebrows raised — proved to be the most difficult to decipher. The results came from the University of Ottawa.
A study published in Frontiers in Psychology last year found that people who used the most emojis had the lowest levels of 'openness to experience' — a trait that measures how open-minded, imaginative and insightful a person is.
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Times
28-04-2025
- Times
Machiavellian traits and narcissism: what your emojis say about you
You may fondly imagine that tacking on a cheerful 😊 will convey breezy affability or that a rakish 😎 suggests a devil-may-care swagger. Alas, you could be gravely mistaken. Research suggests that peppering your messages with these symbols may be less a testament to your sunny disposition and more a window into your darker psychological recesses. Since their introduction in 1999, emojis have become an inescapable feature of human communication, infiltrating everything from casual texts to corporate memos. Psychologists have now set themselves the task of decoding what lies beneath these digital hieroglyphics. The results suggest that a person's emoji habits can disclose more than they intend. The study questioned 285 undergraduates with an average age of about 20 about their use of 40 symbols. The participants also completed questionnaires designed to reveal their personality traits. The results show that among males, heavy emoji use was linked to Machiavellian tendencies and neuroticism, characteristics associated with manipulativeness and mood swings. For women, a fondness for emojis was tied to narcissism. In other words, a man who eagerly fires off emojis may covertly be trying to bend you to their capricious will, while a woman drowning her messages in hearts and sparkles might be seeking to burnish her personal brand. Overall, women used emojis more liberally than men, possibly because they use social media and text messaging more. Women used more emojis than men MEMENTOJPEG/GETTY IMAGES There was, however, a small subset of six emojis that were used more by men, including the 'pile of poo', the 'exploding head' and the 'face screaming in fear'. We can only speculate as to the nuanced emotional states being conveyed. Previous studies had suggested that introverts most often reached for the symbols. Not so, said the new research, which has been published in the journal Current Psychology. Among both males and females, extroverts were the most enthusiastic users. The findings join a growing body of scholarship on smiley faces and face-palm icons. Another paper, published in 2019, found that students were far more likely to respond well to a task from an academic who used emojis. However, reinforcing the adage that familiarity breeds contempt, they were also more likely to doubt the teacher's competence. In 2018, a survey suggested that more than a third of British adults believed that emojis were to blame for the deterioration of the English language. Beyond providing fuel for anxious self-reflection, the latest results may carry implications for marketers, campaigners and others interested in the dark arts of persuasion. The researchers note that 'increasingly, companies are mining the contents of social media posts to estimate information about social media users' characteristics'. Emojis could, they believe, furnish valuable clues for 'psychographic profiling' — the practice of targeting individuals based on their innermost traits, whether for selling consumer goods or shaping voting behaviour. For now, the analysis of emojis remains relatively rare in such efforts. But in the future, your choice of a wink over a thumbs-up may help determine which adverts you see. Until then, be aware: when you next send a face crying with laughter, it may not mean what you think. What your emojis might actually mean A study published in the journal PLOS One in December found that people who frequently used emojis with potential partners went on to engage in more romantic and sexual activities over time. Another study found that over-60s frequently struggled to interpret some emojis. A symbol representing surprise — a small yellow face looking speechless with its eyes wide open and eyebrows raised — proved to be the most difficult to decipher. The results came from the University of Ottawa. A study published in Frontiers in Psychology last year found that people who used the most emojis had the lowest levels of 'openness to experience' — a trait that measures how open-minded, imaginative and insightful a person is.
Tatler Asia
28-04-2025
- Tatler Asia
Meet Elizabeth Quijano, the Blaan indigenous community's first creative writer to win a National Book Award
What was it that compelled Quijano to start writing? 'We weren't hearing from indigenous writers, especially if they were women,' says Quijano. 'I said, 'If that's the case, I will be the first.' Ever since, she has continued to push for indigenous Filipino voices in the national literary scene, hosting classes and workshops for aspiring writers in her community. Despite her conviction, Quijano says that impostor syndrome has been a constant companion on her writing journey. 'There were many silent days and months; I wondered if people were awarding me out of pity, as the token indigenous writer,' she says. 'But this was an opportunity to know myself better, to face my strengths and weaknesses and emerge a stronger, more resilient version of myself.' Amplifying indigenous voices through education Photo 1 of 3 Elizabeth Quijano with members of the Blaan indigenous community Photo 2 of 3 Elizabeth Quijano at the tribal Filipino school of Datalfitak Photo 3 of 3 Elizabeth Quijano distributing school supplies to indigenous children Quijano currently works as a development communication instructor at the Southern Philippines Agribusiness and Marine and Aquatic School of Technology (SPAMAST) in Malita, Davao Occidental. She invites students into writing workshops, amplifying the voices of both female and LGBTQ+ members of indigenous communities. In their first session, students undergo sensitivity training for gender and conflict. The students deepen their appreciation for the literary craft, as Quijano enlists other Filipino writers to host webinars. Outside the classroom, Quijano also engages with the community on a larger scale. In 2024, she joined the Indigenous Peoples' Forum, showcasing the value of indigenous writing. 'They were amazed that our stories and writers had a platform,' she recalls. Now, she works directly with these communities, prioritising a deep awareness of what makes each group distinctive. Schools like Ateneo De Manila University and De La Salle University are particularly keen on featuring the works of indigenous writers, which has been a big help to Quijano. Aside from those options, Quijano encourages the community to self-publish to help increase the volume of Binisayan reading materials. More from Tatler: Opinion: We're experiencing a female digital revolution; we must let it thrive From the margins to the centre Above Elizabeth Quijano with members of the indigenous community Above Elizabeth Quijano with members of the indigenous community In the 21st century, most teaching materials and mainstream literature are written in Filipino or English. For Quijano, that has to change. By releasing literature about indigenous people, this pushes the boundaries of the national conversation around literature and cultural practices. 'We claim now as our time in the centre, spotlighting indigenous knowledge systems and practices,' she says. 'When it comes to fighting climate change and caring for the environment, we have deeply-rooted principles that are instrumental in creating genuine change.' Still, she recognises that Philippine indigenous groups, like any other, are not perfect. There are cases of funds being misused, which exacerbates their struggles. She recalls times when people outside the community were of greater help than those within it. 'Being part of the indigenous community is not necessarily biological, it's more ideological,' she says. 'It's more important to be united with people 'outside' the community in fighting for representation. On the other hand, being born into the community doesn't exclude you from doing the work to make your voice heard. There is still much work to be done.' Some community members were unsupportive of Quijano's work because she is not a pure-blooded Blaan. Quijano also has Kapampangan and Igorot roots. Kapampangans are primarily located in the province of Pampanga and neighbouring regions, which are all found at the centre of Luzon in the Philippines. Meanwhile, the Igorot indigenous group is situated in the Cordilleran region of northern Luzon. As the region is known for its mountainous terrain, the landscape has informed much of their lifestyle and distinctive traditions. 'They would say I didn't have the authority to tell the community's stories,' Quijano shares. 'I was not fluent in the Blaan language, the way I was in Cebuano.' Still, she believes that her unique heritage paved the way for her future works. Improving indigenous literacy through community libraries Above A glimpse of the Colonsabac Community Library Above A glimpse of Elizabeth Quijano at the Colonsabac Community Library Quijano recognises that the Philippines has a long way to go in promoting indigenous causes. 'How can we encourage indigenous writers when their basic needs aren't met?' she asks. 'Many don't have time to read or write. They're helping out on the farm or watching over their siblings.' She saw the value in gathering funds for school supplies and meals, but wanted to do even more. In 2024, she started to focus on her teaching background and the value of literacy. 'I wanted everyone to have access to different sources of information in a safe learning environment, finding a sense of unity there,' she says. This resulted in the creation of a cultural community library. She called for donations on social media, receiving help from the Philippine Librarians' Association. Quijano was also pleasantly surprised to receive 'sacks of books' from private individuals, which have created a vibrant library scene that is accessible to both indigenous and non-indigenous readers. In the future, Quijano hopes to increase the number of these libraries while adding internet access. 'Information is power, and this is one thing indigenous groups often don't have access to, especially during election season or when preparing for natural disasters,' she says. 'As a communications professor, having access to the Internet will empower them to pursue their unique crafts on a global scale.' The legacy of the Blaan people's first female creative writer Photo 1 of 3 Elizabeth Quijano at the Women of the Future Awards Southeast Asia, after winning the arts and culture category Photo 2 of 3 Elizabeth Quijano attends the 2024 YSEALI Regional Workshop on Sustainable and Cultural Tourism Photo 3 of 3 Elizabeth Quijano at the Philippine Book Festival Davao Quijano hopes to continue producing good stories that endure through generations. 'I want to be remembered as the first Blaan woman to tell such stories, but not the only one,' she says. 'I want many women to follow in my footsteps. This would be the greatest way to honour the tales passed down to us from our ancestors.' Staying deeply rooted in the wisdom of the elders is key to keeping these stories alive. This will also help writers avoid misrepresenting the community, seeing it as a monolith instead of a tapestry of various groups with their traditions and beliefs. 'We all have our ambitions, but it's important to stay grounded in the experiences and needs of the community,' she says. Being anchored on this truth is what will help the Philippines' indigenous groups not just to survive, but to thrive. Front & Female Changemakers celebrates the extraordinary journeys of inspiring women who have emerged as powerful changemakers in a range of fields, offering a glimpse into their lives and showcasing their courage, vision and relentless pursuit of change and progress. From social entrepreneurs and business leaders to educators, artists, activists and scientists, Front & Female changemakers exemplify the ability to challenge the status quo and demonstrate the power of women to effect change. 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Times
26-04-2025
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Osaka, Japan, 2018. Tiny plates of pristine delights keep arriving at the table. I shovel them in with all the grace of a hungry labrador, pausing only to breathe: something I am doing alarmingly infrequently. Thin slivers of fatty tuna and silken yellowtail pass in front of my line of gluttonous tunnel vision. I grasp at them. I don't recall the specifics of what I ate during that perfect lunch. It was long ago and my Japanese dining partners were in control of the menu. (I tried ordering in English in Osaka just once, and my options withered from an extraordinary banquet to 'pork dumpling' and 'pork dumpling spicier', as I pointed plaintively at the rest of the menu and received only a knowing shake
