Ep 3. Who invented Emojis?

In this episode of Colossal Questions season 4, we delve into the mysterious origins of everyone's favorite digital icons: emojis! For years, emojis have helped us express ourselves through text messages and social media, but where did they come from? Our host takes us on a fascinating journey through the history of emojis, from their humble beginnings in 1999 to their current status as a global phenomenon.

We start by exploring the early days of digital communication, when emojis were simply known as "emoticons." These rudimentary smiley faces and other symbols were used to convey emotion in the early days of online chat rooms and instant messaging. We take a trip down memory lane to some of the earliest examples of emoticons, including the classic smiley face and the winky face.

Next, we examine the role of Japanese culture in the development of emojis. In the late 1990s, a Japanese telecommunications company called NTT DoCoMo created a set of 176 pictograms that could be sent via text message. These early emojis were surprisingly similar to the emojis we use today, featuring faces, weather symbols, and other common objects. Our host explores the cultural context behind these early emojis, including the role of manga and anime in Japanese popular culture.

From there, we explore the gradual spread of emojis throughout the world. Initially, emojis were only available on NTT DoCoMo phones in Japan, but they soon spread to other mobile carriers and platforms. The rise of social media like Facebook and Twitter also helped to popularize emojis, as users began incorporating them into their online conversations.

But who exactly invented emojis? The answer is somewhat murky, as there were many players involved in the development and popularization of emojis. Our host takes a deep dive into the history of emojis, exploring the role of individuals and companies like NTT DoCoMo, Apple, and Google. We also learn about the ongoing debate over the true inventor of emojis, which continues to this day.

Along the way, we explore some of the fascinating cultural and linguistic implications of emojis. For example, did you know that different countries and cultures use emojis in different ways? Our host breaks down some of the most common differences, including the use of food and holiday-related emojis. We also examine the evolving role of emojis in language and communication, from their early days as simple pictograms to their current status as a full-fledged form of digital expression.

Overall, this episode of Colossal Questions season 4 is a fascinating exploration of one of the most beloved and ubiquitous elements of digital communication. Whether you're a hardcore emoji enthusiast or simply curious about their origins, there's something for everyone in this episode. So sit back, relax, and get ready to dig into the fascinating world of emojis!