Emoticons in Education: Balancing Emotional Expression and Professionalism Among Malaysian Undergraduates

With the rise of digital communication, emoticons have become ubiquitous in student interactions within academic and social environments, yet their impact on education remains underexplored. This study addresses the gap by investigating the patterns and perceptions of emoticon use among undergraduates at Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) in Malaysia, specifically focusing on the role of emoticons in academic communication. Employing a qualitative approach, the study surveyed 100 students and conducted in-depth interviews with 6 participants. The objectives were to explore how emoticons enhance emotional expression, add humour, and adjust the tone of messages, facilitating clearer and more engaging online communication, while also identifying concerns about their appropriateness and professionalism in academic settings. Some students worry that emoticons might undermine the seriousness of academic discussions and lead to misunderstandings, especially across different cultures. Despite these challenges, emoticons were found to promote community building and reduce communication barriers in online learning environments. The study concludes that while emoticons can positively impact the digital learning experience, their use in formal academic communication should be carefully balanced to maintain professionalism and clarity. These insights are valuable for educators and policymakers aiming to effectively integrate digital communication tools in higher education to enhance student interaction and academic success, thereby contributing to SDG 4, Quality Education, by fostering inclusive and equitable quality education and promoting lifelong learning opportunities for all.