Almost nine in 10 Brits prefer using emojis rather than talking to express emotions, study finds

Almost nine in ten Britons are happier using emojis to express emotions than talking in person, a study claims.

A third said they would prefer sending someone a picture on a smartphone when they felt awkward rather than discussing their troubles face to face.

The research showed that 87 per cent of us find it easier to show emotions with visual aids such as emojis and memes. 

Almost nine in ten Britons are happier using emojis to express emotions than talking in person, a study claims. [File image]

One in ten would even prefer to dump their partner using a GIF, a short repeating video. 

The Samsung poll of 3,000 Britons found GIFs are being used by 81 per cent to express emotions on a regular basis.

Digital expert Professor Vyvyan Evans said smartphones had changed human interactions ‘immeasurably’, adding: ‘Emotions and feelings can now be conveyed instantly to others in a single powerful visual.’

Prof Evans added: ‘Since the advent of the smartphone human communication has changed immeasurably.

‘GIFs, memes and emojis are the “language” of the internet, and have become the bedrock of popular culture, fundamentally transforming how we communicate with people on a daily basis.’

On average, Britons send four Gifs a day, with happiness and love the most likely emotion they try to express. [File image] 

With over 10 billion Gifs in circulation and over two million sent every day, 81 per cent of respondents said they used the format on a regular basis.

On average, Britons send four Gifs a day, with happiness and love the most likely emotion they try to express.

However, nearly half of those aged between 45 and 65 admitted they lacked the confidence in how to use them appropriately.

This post first appeared on Dailymail.co.uk