Washington DC, March 7 -- A new study from the University of Ottawa sheds light on how different generations interpret the use of emojis in their communications, with older persons unclear how to use them as frequently as younger adults, despite recognizing their meaning.

The stereotype of older adults being unable or unwilling to adapt to new forms of lingo like emojis may not be accurate, according to research from the University of Ottawa (uOttawa) which suggests older adults understand their meanings but lack the confidence to incorporate them in their technology-mediated interactions.

"We found that older users are less likely to use emojis, use fewer emojis, and feel less comfortable in their ability to interpret emojis," says the...