Emojipedia reported the most-used emojis of 2023, offering a window into how people express emotion in digital chats and social posts across North America. The top spot clearly belonged to a face that laughs so hard it brings tears to the eyes, a universal symbol of shared amusement that transcends age and language. Close behind was a smiley that seems to roll around the floor with laughter, a vivid image of unabashed joy that captures the spontaneous humor people reach for in everyday messages. The leading trio is completed by a bold red heart, a simple yet powerful token of affection that confirms how warmth and care travel quickly across screens. Following these, people often turn to the image of folded hands in appreciation, a universal gesture of thanks or prayer, along with a crying face that signals sorrow or strong emotion, eyes that glow with hearts to show adoration, sparks that convey excitement, a fire emoji for intensity, and a smiling face with eyes closed that signals a relaxed happiness. The collection points to a broad palette of feelings, from laughter to love, relief to enthusiasm, all shared in moments large and small.
In 2023, emerging favorites included the pink face, which suggests a soft, playful mood; the shaking face, a quick signal of nervous laughter or surprise; and the blue heart, a cooler, calmer expression of affection. These newer icons reveal how emoji use evolves with culture and context, reflecting shifts in tone and sentiment that people want to convey without lengthy text. Across Canada and the United States, users leaned on these symbols to soften messages, emphasize sincerity, or simply add a dash of personality to everyday conversations.
Analysts note that the prevalence of positively charged emojis at the top of the charts indicates a collective preference for upbeat communication. People seem to favor tools that help keep conversations light, friendly, or hopeful even when the topic is serious. The data also underscores the idea that emojis are a form of emotional shorthand, enabling quick, nuanced expression when words alone might feel insufficient.
Observers emphasize that emojis are not going away. They remain a core part of online language, offering rapid, universal cues that bridge cultural and linguistic gaps. For many users, these tiny icons are not just decorative; they are practical features of digital discourse, helping to convey tone, intent, and personality in a world where text can sometimes be hard to interpret. The resilience of emoji use across years suggests they will continue to evolve, expanding into new styles and collections that reflect changing communication needs and social norms.
Past emoji preferences line up with broader discussions about mental health and well-being. When people gravitate toward certain symbols, it can reveal how they cope with stress, celebrate connection, or seek comfort through digital means. In this sense, the ongoing popularity of emoji sets offers a subtle barometer of mood and attitude in the online public square, showing how communities everywhere choose to express themselves in colorful, concise ways. As platforms evolve and new expressions emerge, the role of emojis in everyday communication remains vibrant and central to how people relate to one another in the digital age.