How emojis can be used in your quest for love: Experts analyse Tinder profiles for emoji hits and misses

Be careful what emojis you use when online dating, with experts weighing in on which are most likely to help you get lucky in love – and the ones to avoid.

Online dater Whitney Boyd uses the “whole gamut” of emojis in her online correspondence with potential suitors. Picture: Ben Clark

Adelaide’s Whitney Boyd uses the “whole gamut” of emojis in her online correspondence with potential suitors – but there’s one in particular that is a deal-breaker.

“It is the monkey with eyes covered for me … it makes me feel like he is going, ‘oh, I just asked you a naughty question … but I swear I am innocent’,” she said.

“I just think ‘ick’ so badly.”

So what’s her favourite emojis to use?

“Because I am a football fan, I always send a soccer ball emoji, so at least they know I am into my sport,” the 33-year-old events and membership co-ordinator said.

“If I am trying to be a little bit softer, I will do the emoji with two open hands, the hug emoji.”

New research has found using emojis is key in the quest for romance.

The profiles of more than 25,000 users on dating app Tinder have been analysed to see how and when the small digital icons are used.

The study found the “male shrug emoji” is most commonly featured, followed by the heart emoji.

Travel, drinking and photography emojis are also among the most frequently featured with the camera, ghost, weightlifting, soccer ball, book, “quirky face” and laughing emojis also popular.

Women were found to be more prolific users of emojis than men.

Researcher Hans Christiansen, working with global gaming and casino expert DKcasinospot, said people who used emojis were 30 per cent more likely to get responses from messages sent to a match than those who didn’t.

“Using emojis in bios has become an increasingly popular way to portray characteristics, hobbies, jobs as well as many other things in a fun and visual manner,” he said.

“People with matching interests are more likely to swipe on each other as they already share common ground.

“The plane emoji is one of the most used … this symbol represents love and interest of travelling.”

The laughing emoji emerged as the top pick for men but women used 41 per cent more emojis in their Tinder introductions with the “male shrug emoji” most popular.

“(This is) often used to be playful, it shows potential matches that they shouldn’t be taken too seriously,” Mr Christiansen said.

“The heart emoji is the second most used … (it) shows love and can portray a more friendly and approachable (persona).

“From the playful wink to the heart-eyed smiley, emojis serve as shorthand for complex emotions, enabling users to flirt, convey interest, or inject lightheartedness into their interactions.”

Whitney Boyd says she uses ‘the whole gamut’ of emojis in her online correspondence. Picture: Ben Clark

Leading love and relationship coach Dr Lurve agreed emojis could “convey emotion, interests, and personality traits quickly and effectively”.

“In the realm of digital dating, emojis and phrases do more than just decorate a profile, they serve as a compact form of communication,” the Sydney-based professional said.

“By using emojis and phrases wisely, and by showing genuine interest in getting to know someone, you can navigate the complex waters of online dating with confidence and charm.

“There is often a mix of humour, flirtation, and direct indicators of interest … (a) smiley face with heart eyes can signal strong attraction, while a simple wave is often used as a friendly greeting.”