“History has shown us that images are worth more than words,” says Facebook. “Thanks to the rise of visual-based communication, we are returning to more graphic forms of expression. Driven by a desire for intimacy, in the midst of a bustling world, there is an urge to convey our thoughts and feelings as we look to connect with others. This is reflected in a new vocabulary of emojis, GIFs and camera-based messaging, which is helping us express ourselves in a more dynamic way. Given the unprecedented times we are living in, and with people spending more time at home, emojis are becoming more relevant than ever before.
“The people of this region heavily rely on emojis when posting and commenting on Facebook. The top ten emojis used across the MENA region include: face with tears of joy, red heart, heavy black heart, smiling face with heart shaped eyes, rolling on the floor laughing, face throwing a kiss, rose, sparkling heart, heart suit, and broken heart. Hearts and laughing smileys are the most popular forms of expression among people in this region, pointing to the positive mindset that still resides in communities even as we navigate unfamiliar and challenging times.