Study reveals emojis & phrases likely outdated by 2025

A new study by BecexTech reveals a list of emojis and text phrases that will likely become outdated by 2025 as digital communication trends evolve.

BecexTech, an Australian technology retailer, conducted a rigorous sentiment analysis of user-generated content on social media platform X to determine which emojis and phrases are declining in relevance. The study aimed to identify those most likely to diminish in popularity over the coming years, focusing on negative sentiment toward these communication symbols.

Emojis are pivotal in conveying emotions digitally, ranging from positive to negative expressions, particularly within text messages. Their meanings can change depending on the context in which they are used, but their relevance appears to be waning for certain symbols.

Santo Ludy, Managing Director at BecexTech, stated, "It's interesting to see how much impact the use of emojis and text phrases have in the way we communicate our intent and expressions in the digital space."

Ludy further observed the diminishing popularity of these trends, noting, "this study encapsulates the influence of social media and generational comprehension of digital trends among users while revealing how their popularity can diminish just as easily as they shot up in media traction. But, it goes without saying how important it is to use your words and emojis carefully, particularly on social media to prevent any misunderstanding or cause offence."

The study identifies the "enraged face" emoji as the one most likely to fall out of use by 2025, scoring the highest extinction score of 34. It is often recognised as a pouting face and is perceived by users as expressing "a fake exaggerated reaction" rather than genuine anger.

Other text phrases identified include "RIP," typically used humorously in response to shock but seen by users as overused and losing its original impact, with an extinction score of 32.8. One user commented, "RIP is used for everything nowadays, so it doesn't really convey the depth it used to."

The phrase "WTF" is also losing ground, with an extinction score of 32.2, as social media participants feel that its once strong shock value has been diminished by overuse.

The skull emoji, often used to denote something hilarious or express tiredness, also features on the list with an extinction score of 30.1. Users remark that it now often conveys only mild amusement.

The pleading face emoji is also noted, with an extinction score of 29. Users say it is often an overused method of seeking attention, as one social media user expressed: "Using the pleading face emoji just feels like an overused way of asking for attention."

"FOMO" and "SMH" are textual acronyms also predicted to decline, with scores of 28.4 and 26.7, respectively. These terms, which stand for "fear of missing out" and "shaking my head," are reportedly becoming less impactful in expressing their intended emotions.

"IKR," short for "I know right," ranks next with an extinction score of 26.6. Users now question its engagement value, viewing it instead as a conversational space filler.

The thinking face emoji, ranked ninth with a score of 26.2, is perceived to have lost its association with deep thought due to common usage.

Finally, the snake emoji, with a score of 26, closes the list as it has come to be seen as a "basic" and overused expression of sneakiness or untrustworthiness.