Lost in Translation? Decoding the Secret Language of Gen Z

Are you a parent of Gen Z (that's anyone from 11 to 26)?

Do you sometimes feel like you're speaking a different language to your kids when you text or message them? You're not alone. But according to a new study commissioned by Snapchat, the emoji is not dead - in fact, you're probably just using it wrong.

The study of over 2,000 young Australians by Crowd DNA reveals surprising findings about the evolution of emoji use, the death of the text message, and the rise of voice memos amongst teens and young adults in Australia.

How Gen Z is Reinventing the Way We Communicate

The latest report reveals that 67% of Gen Z Aussies still use emojis, but with new meanings. They're not just smiling faces and thumbs up anymore. They now convey sarcasm, irony, and satire. So, don't freak out if you receive a skull emoji from your teen. They could be dying of laughter, shock, or even (let's be honest, this is often the most likely one if it's us texting them) annoyance.

The report also notes that multiple stars are now used sarcastically for excitement, while a cap emoji is usually a sign of fake news or a lie. And if you see a painted nails emoji, it means they're "slaying" or doing something exceptionally well. But, be warned, a red flag emoji signifies warning signs when it comes to dating.

For those of us who have been using the thumbs-up emoji for years, we need to catch up as it now has multiple new meanings. Once considered a sign of agreement or praise, Gen Z now uses it in a sarcastic or passive-aggressive way.
 

But it's not just the emojis that have evolved. Two in five (44%) Gen Z now prefer voice notes and video messages over humble text. And when it comes to sharing content, four in five (80%) Gen Z Aussies said they prefer to share it privately online, via DMs or private messages, with their friends and family instead of posting to larger groups on social media. 

So, next time you're texting with your Gen Z child, don't be afraid to throw in an emoji or two, even if you're not sure what it means. And who knows, you might even impress them with your newly acquired emoji skills.

Remember, communication is key, but it's always more fun with a few emojis and a voice memo or two.

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