Emoji codes: The secret language of youth and their dangers!

Emoji codes: The secret language of youth and their dangers!

in the digital world, in which platforms such as Instagram, YouTube and TikTok use strict filters against discriminatory content, there is a secret language: the "emoji codes". These colorful symbols are used to spread forbidden content without the algorithms of social networks react to them. An alarming phenomenon that is discussed at the vision festival for digital media in Bad Oldesloe. Media educator Martin Oberwetter explains: "We will educate children and young people about dangerous emoji codes to protect them."

The use of these codes is particularly common in certain communities, where they signal belonging. According to the KJR media educators Lina Samoske, Martin Oberwetter and Lena Saß, they are often used in connection with intimate or forbidden topics such as drug use or sexual content. This enables criminals to access dangerous content more easily without having to search for it directly. Even in right-wing extremists and anti-Semitic circles, emoji codes serve as a identification sign and insult.

The dangers of the emoji codes

The media educators warn that these codes can lead to unwanted interactions, especially among young people and children. According to the Federal Ministry for Family, Seniors, Women and Youth (BMFSFJ), almost every second in Germany (49 percent) has already experienced online insults. A quarter of the respondents were confronted with physical violence, and 13 percent experienced sexual violence. Emoji codes contribute to the increase in hatred on the Internet, which is why it is crucial to recognize and report them.

With targeted clarification, these codes can be exposed so that they no longer act as secret messages. However, the media educators emphasize that the meaning of emojis can vary depending on the cultural and social context. A cloverleaf that symbolizes luck can have a completely different meaning in the context of Irish nationalism. It is therefore important to always take the overall context into account when interpreting emojis.