Exploring the Perception of Sarcasm Through Emojis: A Case Study of the “Wink” Emoji in Chinese Contexts

Past research suggests the “Wink” emoji is effective for sarcasm perception in English but its impact in Chinese contexts is unclear. Therefore, this study aims to explore how Chinese perceive sarcasm with the “Wink” emoji and its influence on social interaction in instant messaging. Findings indicate that in positive responses, the “Wink” emoji weakens sarcasm, aiding literal understanding, while in negative responses it enhances sarcasm, leading to ambiguity. Furthermore, the use of the “Wink” emoji with positive connotations also facilitates the promotion and maintenance of social relationships. Overall, our research reveals cultural differences in the interpretation of sarcasm through emojis in digital communication. Hence, further research is needed to identify emojis that serve as effective cues for sarcasm among Chinese users.