Emojis

Why?

Emojis pose several challenges across different devices and operating systems, potentially leading to confusion and misinterpretation of messages. Variations in appearance exist between Apple, Android, and Windows devices, resulting from platform-specific designs implemented by Google, Microsoft, Apple, Facebook, Twitter, etc., after the inclusion of new emojis in the Unicode Standard. This not only leads to delayed availability across different systems but also introduces the risk of certain emojis being deemed controversial and so omitted by some vendors.

The use of emojis may also be perceived as unprofessional or casual, especially in FAO's professional communication setting. Additionally, assistive technologies, like screen readers, often struggle to interpret emojis correctly, disrupting text flow for users with visual impairments. The absence of HTML attribute ALT, crucial for alternative text, exacerbates this issue.

Moreover, older browser versions may lack support for newer emojis, and this limitation is tied to the font and rendering capabilities of both the browser and the underlying operating system. Users may encounter blank boxes, question marks, or generic placeholders when using unsupported emojis, necessitating updates for both browsers and, in some cases, operating systems.

Emojis also face challenges related to cultural interpretation, potential misuse leading to ambiguity, and evolving meanings over time, contributing to communication challenges; likewise the representation of diversity in emojis remains a concern.