Gender-Based Differentiation in Emoji Identification among Iraqi EFL University Students

Emojis have emerged as popular communication icons in modern text-based systems, evolving into a new language for users of computer-mediated communication. However, their interpretation is often subject to misunderstanding. This study aims to investigate gender differences in emoji use and interpretation among Iraqi English as a Foreign Language university students and to identify the emojis that are interpreted most accurately and most frequently by male and female students. The significance of the study lies in enhancing understanding of how gender influences emoji interpretation, thereby contributing to more effective digital communication and providing insights for future research on online interaction. Furthermore, a quantitative method was employed using a questionnaire distributed through purposive sampling to 100 students from the Department of English Language at Al-Farahidi University during the 2025–2026 academic year. The questionnaire examined participants’ emoji usage and the challenges they encountered in interpreting emojis. The findings indicate that female participants have a higher recognition rate for emotional expressions conveyed through emojis, suggesting that they are more attuned to emotional nuances in digital communication. The study concludes that significant gender differences exist in emoji interpretation, emphasizing the need to consider these differences in digital communication research.