Emojis have become a vital part of how people communicate today, leading to the establishment of a dedicated day to celebrate them! World Emoji Day 2025, observed annually on July 17, brings to light new findings from a recent survey about how Americans utilize and appreciate emojis.
Conducted by Coventry Brands and Ovid Life, the study surveyed 2,400 participants across 48 states, revealing regional favorites, usage habits, and the nation’s most misunderstood icons.
😂 The King of Emojis, but Overused
Despite being labeled outdated by Gen Z, the Face with Tears of Joy (😂) emoji remains America’s favorite. It ranks as the top choice in 24 states, with 10% of respondents claiming it as their go-to symbol. However, 20% indicated it is the most overused emoji.
The runner-up was the Rolling on the Floor Laughing (🤣) emoji, favored in 11 states, while the Smiling Face with Smiling Eyes (😊) came in third for its ability to add warmth to messages.
Other Popular Favorites
The survey highlighted additional favorites:
- 😘 (Face Blowing a Kiss) — Most popular in Illinois
- 👍 (Thumbs Up) — Top choice in Rhode Island
- ❤ (Red Heart) — The symbol of love in Florida
Least Favorite Emojis
Conversely, the Pile of Poo (💩) emoji was deemed the least favorite by 11% of respondents, with disapproval noted in 35 states. Once seen as playful, it is now viewed as juvenile.
Other unpopular emojis included:
- 👌 (OK Hand) — Least liked in two states
- 🙌 (Raising Hands) — Seen as confusing
- 😬 (Grimacing Face) — Often misinterpreted
- 🙏 (Folded Hands) — Misunderstood by 13%
Who’s Using Emojis and Where?
The study reveals that an impressive 96% of Americans incorporate emojis into their messages. Nearly 48% use emojis to react on social media, while 39% include them in comments. However, professional settings see lower usage, with only 9% using emojis in work communications.
Interestingly, there’s a marked difference in emoji engagement between genders: women rated their emoji use at 8 out of 10, while men rated theirs at 6.5.
Emoji Etiquette: What Annoys People Most
Misuse of emojis is a prevalent concern. Nearly 38% of respondents find it annoying when full words are replaced with emojis, while 23% are irritated by the overuse of the same emoji. Furthermore, 19% believe using emojis in professional contexts is inappropriate, and 14% feel it’s disrespectful to use emojis in serious conversations.
State Spirit in Emoji Form
Each U.S. state can be represented by a collection of emojis reflecting its unique culture and characteristics. For example:
- New York: 🗽 (Statue of Liberty), 🍎 (Big Apple), 🚖 (Taxi)
- California: 🌉 (Golden Gate Bridge), 🎬 (Hollywood), 🏄♂️ (Surfing)
Other standout emoji representations include:
- 🌵 Arizona (Cactus)
- 🐊 Louisiana (Alligator)
- 🐘 Alabama (Elephant – Crimson Tide pride)
- 🍕 New Jersey & Connecticut (Pizza lovers unite)
Conclusion
As we celebrate World Emoji Day 2025, it’s vital to recognize both the joy and challenges that these digital symbols bring to modern communication. Join the conversation and share your favorite emojis!
