Experts issue warning on hidden meaning behind emojis kids are using
Experts are raising the alarm on some of the hidden and possibly sinister meanings behind popular emojis.
Police and other experts are warning some emojis that children are using could have darker meanings behind them, as exemplified by Netflix's new gripping drama, Adolescence.
The TV series follows the story of a 13-year-old boy, Jamie Miller, played by Owen Cooper, who is arrested for the murder of a girl in his school after becoming radicalized by incel and misogynistic content online.
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From kidney beans and cherries to colored hearts and a clown face, the symbols may seem innocent but in reality they follow a secret code that most adults wouldn't be able to spot.
As per the series, teenagers are communicating with these emojis to indicate their beliefs, like the red pill indicating 'seeing the truth' in the so-called 'manosphere.'
The manosphere forms a collection of male influencers and content creators - such as accused rapist and human trafficker, Andrew Tate - which peddles misogynistic and sexist ideas.
The incel emoji
An incel is usually a radical misogynist who identifies as 'involuntary celibate,' based on their inability to create bonds or sexual relationships with women.
Several phone emojis have been utilized by incels as a nod to their ideological allegiance.
In an article for The Conversation, Dr Robert Lawson, an expert on sociolinguistics from the UK's Birmingham City University, explains how the pill emoji has been co-opted by the movement.
"The cyberpunk blockbuster The Matrix is the source of a key symbol in the manosphere - the red pill," he said.
In the movie, characters take the red pill to see 'the truth' and see how the illusions of the Matrix work around them.
As for the manosphere, Dr Lawson said men who say they have been 'red-pilled' proclaim 'to see the world as it really is, understanding the so-called 'real' nature of women's behavior and dating preferences.'
In the Netflix drama, dynamite represents the 'exploding red pill,' meaning someone is an incel, while the '100' emoji refers to the '80 to 20 rule.'
The young boy, Adam, explains the theory means 80 percent of women are attracted to just 20 percent of men, meaning you must 'trick' women, 'because you'll never get them in a normal way.'
The kidney bean or coffee emoji can also be used to call someone or self-identify as an incel.
Drugs emojis
There are also apparently emojis that are used to discuss taking or selling illegal drugs.
According to British police, a horse emoji could refer to Ketamine, a drug that is used as a tranquillizer in horses, while an alien, demon mask, space invader or a skull and crossbones could be a nod to MDMA.
Cocaine could also be symbolized by a snowflake, snowman, or blowfish/fish, and NOS (canister gas) with a balloon.
A crystal, pill, syringe or cloud could also refer to the type of drug.
Cannabis is associated with dozens more, from animals like dogs and food such as cake, ice cream, lemons and grapes to plants like the maple leaf, four-leaf clover or generic trees/leaves.
Meanwhile, a plug emoji, refers to a 'plug' as in a drug dealer, as does a number eight pool ball.
Colored hearts
The heart emoji may not be so innocent, depending on the context.
As per Adolescence, Adam says: "Red [heart emoji] means love, purple horny, yellow 'I'm interested, are you interested?', pink 'I'm interested but not in sex,' orange 'you're going to be fine.'"
Sexting emojis
There are even emojis that have hidden sexual meanings, from eggplants and other phallic-shaped emojis symbolizing a penis.
The peach, cherries and water droplets are also known to be used in sexting.
According to Bark, the 'woozy face' can mean either drunkenness or sexual arousal, while the overheating red face can mean 'hot' in a sexual way.
The eyes emoji could also be used when discussing exchanging nude images while the tongue can reference sexual activity like oral sex.
What to do if you find a worrying emoji on your child's phone
Helen Shneider, Commander of Human Exploitation at the Australian Federal Police said emojis and acronyms are commonly used by children and young people in instances of 'harmless fun,' but can be alarming when used as a double meaning.
She said in some instances, emojis like the devil face 'could be a sign that your child is engaging in sexual activity online.'
Commander Shneider said having an open discussion is the 'best defence you can have.'
Parental controls on iPhones and Android are possible through Screen Time to block certain apps or the Family Link app.
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends limiting young children to 60 minutes of screen time every day.
Topics: World News, Sex and Relationships, Netflix, Film and TV, iPhone, Phones, Technology, Drugs
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