Tag: Digital Communication

InterGen Connect: Bridging the Communication Gap Between Generations in the Workforce

Roksana Kohansedgh, Ryan Kolaini, Melissa Mehrabifar, Shawhin Sahabi

Working in a professional environment, online communication can be challenging, particularly across generations. After exploring Generation Z (1997-2012) and Baby Boomers (1946-1964), we hypothesized that they have undeniably different styles of communication that lead to misunderstandings and inefficiencies in the workforce. Baby Boomers typically prefer email communication and phone calls, while Generation Z highly prefers the use of informal, digital communication through social media and text message. Using our own methods, we analyzed this research by conducting a study at a law office, surveying 20 employees including both genders, aged 18-27 and 60-69. With the use of existing research, a background was introduced to gather data on why exactly these generations prefer a certain style of communication. Delving into the findings of our own research, the results were apparent: Boomers prefer formal language and traditional communication platforms, whereas Generation Z leans towards a relaxed approach, using slang and emojis. This generational difference showed the inefficiency in the ability to communicate effectively with one another in the discussion section. Finally, in order to bridge the gap, implications and cross generational training were introduced in the conclusion to facilitate knowledge in communicating effectively between the two cohorts.

[expander_maker id=”1″ more=”Read more” less=”Read less”]

Introduction

Bounded by the demands of the modern workforce, mutual respect and collaboration is formed through effective communication. The research delves into two distinct groups, 10 Baby Boomers (aged 60-69) and 10 Generation Z (aged 18-27), collaborating in a law office. By analyzing and conducting our own research on their communication styles and patterns, their differences in communication through lexicality and formality are unveiled, and uncovers the misunderstandings of how the two cohorts communicate, ultimately aiming to resolve misunderstandings. This research is driven by its research question: How do communication styles differ among the two generations in the workforce, and what influences these variations within the workforce? By analyzing existing research as well as our own research, we aim to uncover the reasons behind their differences in communicating, as well as propose. This will help create a more inclusive and effective workplace where everyone can communicate smoothly and understand each other better.

Background

In society, Baby Boomers are known to have grown up in an era with limited technology, and therefore relying entirely on traditional communication methods. Viewing it as a sign of professionalism and authority, Baby Boomers value formality and directness when communicating. In an article by Jennifer (M.I) Loh, Jane Strachan and Raechel Johns, it is revealed that Baby Boomers preferred exemplifying a “professional” demeanor when communicating online in professional contexts. 80% of Baby Boomers revealed that they are more thorough with their grammar and overall language when texting their colleagues than when they text or email friends or family. (Loh, Strachan, & Johns p. 1522, 2021). This highlights their belief in holding a position of authority when in the workplace, unwilling to stray away from the traditional manner of communication. Conversely, the informality of communication that may seem unprofessional to the Baby Boomer generation, is seen as “direct” to Generation Z. Since Generation Z essentially grew up around the use of advanced technology, they are entirely comfortable with a plethora of online communication platforms, and prefer a more informal style of communication. In a study done by Bencsik Andrea, Horváth-Csikós Gabriella, and Juhász Tímea, the data depicted in a chart revealed that “The boundaries of work and entertainment overlap” (Bencsik, p. 95, 2016). The data is then further explained when it says that because they grow up around technology, Generation Z feels comfortable in a digital, less formal environment, permeating into their work lives. The abbreviations they use make for more of a direct and quick approach to communicating. (Bencsik, p. 93, 2016). The use of slang, like “lol” “and omg” are used in order to be more efficient and comfortable with their coworkers when communicating.

Methods

In order to effectively explore and investigate communicative differences between these two different generations, a mixed-methods study was conducted, analyzing both qualitative and quantitative data. In terms of qualitative data, we conducted a study with 20 employees from a law office, consisting of 10 Baby Boomers (aged 60-69) and 10 employees from Generation Z (aged 18-27) on a google form survey. Narrowing in our research, we examined each cohort’s communicative styles, online preferences for communication platforms, formality, and use of slang. The survey tested their comfortability with certain online communication platforms through close-ended questions, and asked open-ended questions on how they would personally respond to emails and text messages, monitoring their slang, formality, or lack thereof. Additionally, it is important to note that, to avoid bias, we collected data on age and gender at the end of the survey.

Results and Analysis

In terms of the analysis and results of the data, it revealed a significant difference in generational communication style, contributing to the various difficulties communicating across generations.

QUALITATIVE INSIGHTS:

Our qualitative insights revealed that Baby Boomers emphasize formality and proper grammar, viewing it as a sign of professionalism and authority. The apparent Baby Boomer showed a more formal, authoritative approach. As shown in both examples, full sentences, proper punctuation, and directness is used. Within our qualitative insights, we observed distinct differences in the use of language and formality. (See Image one and two)

In Image two, it is shown how Generation Z often uses slang and informal language in a given scenario, favoring brevity and efficiency over traditional formality. In contrast, in image one, the Baby Boomers’ use in formal language asserts their authoritativeness, allowing for a more traditional approach.

QUANTITATIVE INSIGHTS

The data in the chart shows a clear preference for communicative platforms between Generation Z and Baby Boomers. We focused on two different types of platforms of communication: email and instant messaging (like instagram, snapchat, and text message).

Baby Boomers use email for 80% of their professional communications, preferring its formal format. They use instant messaging for only 20%, due to its informal structure and their preference for traditional methods. In contrast, Generation Z uses email for only 30% of their communications, often when required. They prefer instant messaging, which makes up 70% of their workplace communications, valuing its efficiency and quick interactions.

DISCUSSION

Baby Boomers: The Formal Communicators

Baby boomers grew up in times of more face-to-face communication than virtual reality, and formal written communications were very popular. They associate formality with being professional and reliable. It comes; therefore, more naturally to them that they favor emails, formal meetings, and structured ways of communication. Their style of formal, direct lines of communication actually goes to make a point in the Baby Boomers’ favor—that professionalism lies in good punctuation and clear-sighted authority. As Venter (2017) states, “Baby Boomers communicate mostly using face-to-face communication, telephone conversations and e-mail. They will seldom use blogs, wikis, social networking sites and texting or instant messaging in more formal situations, such as in the work context.”

Generation Z: Digital Native

On the other hand, Generation Z was brought up on the internet and the digital means of communication, and therefore, they embrace the style of casual and instant communication. They prefer informal language that is rich in slang, dramatic expressions, and even emojis to express emotions. They prefer digital platforms more: social media and messaging applications for communication. This is mainly a representation of a world that is fast and interconnected, where it is important to be quick and efficient in communication.Taneja, Wu, and Edgerly (2018) highlight that “Generation Z prefers to communicate through more private social media platforms such as Snapchat and Whisper.”

Our study identifies the distinct communication styles of Baby Boomers and Generation Z, highlighting why misunderstandings occur in the workplace. Baby Boomers prefer formal, structured communication, while Generation Z favors informal, rapid styles, leading to potential friction. Subramaniam and Razak (2014) note, “There is also the element of interjection such as ‘la’, ‘ah’ and ‘lah’ in the posts; it shows the informal style of posts.” Understanding these preferences allows organizations to tailor strategies for a more inclusive environment.

CONCLUSION

When focusing on the communication gap between Baby Boomers and Generation Z, it is essential to scope the different aspects of intergenerational interaction in a cohesive and productive work environment. This research project reveals the different communication preferences and patterns of the two generations, and how each generation has many differences. When highlighting these differences, Baby Boomers prefer a more formal touch to their communication, whereas Generation Z drives towards convenience and simplicity through social media and messaging apps. These differences not only reflect the differences between the people born in those particular generations but also reflect how advancements in our society have played out.

Our research proposed implementing specific training protocols to address generational communication challenges, fostering empathy and reducing confusion. Programs like “Global Courseware” and “SkillPath” can create a healthy, transparent work environment with flexible communication. For example, combining email updates with instant messaging for quick follow-ups can help bridge communicative differences. These strategies enhance collaboration and understanding, creating a more inclusive workplace. Our research not only offered solutions to communication barriers but also fostered a healthier workplace, reflecting rapid technological advancements and improving productivity and job satisfaction.

Additionally, we provide links to relevant podcasts and news broadcasts that delve deeper into generational communication differences and strategies for effective workplace communication.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VicCUIEwpLk

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KteUn6scFqE

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6LD8CZIUeDU

Acknowledgements

We thank the employees of the participating law office for their time and insights, and our academic advisors for their guidance and support in this research project.

By fostering an understanding of generational communication differences, we can create more effective and cohesive workplaces.

References

Bencsik, A., Juhász, T., & Horváth-Csikós, G. (2016). Y and Z Generations at Workplaces. Journal of Competitiveness, 6(3), 90–106. https://doi.org/10.7441/joc.2016.03.06

Loh, J. (M. I., Strachan, J., & Johns, R. (2021). How rude is rude: an exploratory study among Australian Millennials, Generation “X” and Baby Boomers mobile phone users. Behaviour & Information Technology, 40(14), 1516–1527. https://doi.org/10.1080/0144929X.2020.1764106

Subramaniam, V., & Razak, N. A. (2014). Examining language usage and patterns in online conversation: Communication gap among Generation Y and Baby Boomers. Procedia, Social and Behavioral Sciences, 118, 468–474. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sbspro.2014.02.064

Taneja, H., Wu, A. X., & Edgerly, S. (2018). Rethinking the generational gap in online news use: An infrastructural perspective. New Media & Society, 20(5), 1792–1812. https://doi.org/10.1177/1461444817707348

Venter, E. (2017). Bridging the communication gap between generation Y and the baby boomer generation. International Journal of Adolescence and Youth, 22(4), 497-507. https://doi.org/10.1080/02673843.2016.1267022

Emoji Secrets: Unveiling How Gender and Sexuality Influence Emoji Usage among UCLA Undergraduates

Fangfei Liu, Nuoya Liu, Suzy Xu, Shengliang Jin, Kelly Wu

In the digital communication era, emojis have become a new form of vibrant visual language that transcends words into icons that convey emotions and ideas. Imagine this: It’s a typical Friday evening, and a group of friends at UCLA are planning their weekend via text messages. One friend, excited about the upcoming party, sends a string of emojis – a bottle of champagne , a partying face , and a confetti ball . Another friend, more reserved, responds with just a simple thumbs up. As these messages fly back and forth, a fascinating question arises: what do these tiny digital symbols say about us? Can these tiny digital symbols reveal deeper insights into our identities and social interactions? In fact, emojis not only distribute information but also reveal more profound aspects of an individual’s identity. This research focuses on the intersection between gender and sexuality and how these identity factors play a role in influencing emoji usage among UCLA undergraduate students. By launching a mixed-methods approach, the study combines statistical analysis and qualitative content examination to indicate trends and patterns in emoji selection. The findings highlight significant differences in emoji use across genders and sexual orientations and provide insights into the various ways that individual identities shape their digital expressions.

[expander_maker id=”1″ more=”Read more” less=”Read less”]

Introduction

👋👋 Hey! The rise of digital communication has introduced emojis as a new form of language, expressing emotions, ideas, and more. Emojis hold symbolic significance and cultural connotations, making them a rich subject for linguistic analysis and in-text communication studies. Here’s the link to a TED talk titled “Emoji: The Language of the Future” by Tracey Pickett, which discusses the cultural significance and evolution of emojis.

When investigating in-text communication dynamics, especially in the context of gender and sexuality, Deborah Tannen’s difference model of communication (2007) lays a theoretical foundation, suggesting that men and women use distinct styles of speech: men typically adopt a report style focused on conveying information, whereas women use a rapport style aimed at building relationships with high involvement.

Despite growing research, there’s a gap in understanding how gender and sexuality intersect with emoji usage. Our study aims to investigate how these identity categories influence emoji use among UCLA undergraduates. By employing mixed methods, including statistical analysis and qualitative content analysis, we will identify trends and nuances in emoji selection among different gender and sexual identity groups. This research will contribute to the broader understanding of how diverse identity factors shape digital communication.

Background

Emojis are small digital icons that help with facilitating emotions and expressions during online interactions today. The icons are prevalent among the younger generation, such as college students, who are active users of online communication platforms. Prior research has indicated emojis’ socio-linguistic significance, reflecting the user’s identity, emotional state, and cultural background. Gender and sexuality are two critical factors in examining the dynamics of emoji use, and our research aims to investigate the impact these two factors have on college students’ use of emojis in online conversations.

Gender differences in emoji use have been a subject of interest in existing literature, as highlighted in Herring et al.’s research. They found distinct patterns of emoji use among different gender groups. For instance, women tend to use emojis that express solidarity and support, while men are inclined towards emojis related to sarcasm and teasing (Herring et al. 2018). The influence of sexual orientation on emoji use habits among LGBTQ+ individuals has also been explored by other scholars. Gray, for instance, has noted that emojis serve as in-group codes that aid in identity expression (Gray 2023). Our research will focus on the impact of gender and sexuality on emoji usage among diverse UCLA undergraduate students and discover the characteristics of emoji habits among different groups shaped by their backgrounds.

Methods

In this study, we used a mixed-methods approach (i.e., including statistical analysis and qualitative content analysis) in this study to identify trends, preferences, and nuances in emoji selection among different gender and sexual identity groups.

This research incorporates a convenience sampling, whereby our group members send online Google Forms to a total of 50 UCLA students to collect data on their use of emojis. And, our online survey included demographic questions about race, school year, gender, and sexual orientation. It also included the collection of screenshots of emojis that they used frequently. Finally, after completing the data collection, we analyzed all the data by using R studio and

Excel software to assess the statistical correlation between gender identity and the frequency of using certain emojis.

Results and Analysis

After collecting responses from all 50 UCLA undergraduates, our research presents a comprehensive analysis of the data collected on emoji usage among undergraduate students at UCLA by including both quantitative data and tabular analysis as well as qualitative content analysis. First, the data were processed to create a dataset with the frequency and types of emojis used by different groups. The pie graphs shown below illustrate the emoji frequency based on students’ gender while indicating that female students use emojis more frequently than male students do. For instance, the number of female students who selected the option “often” is 23% higher than that of male students; there are more than 1⁄5 of the male students select the option “occasionally” to show their dispreferred attitude of utilizing emojis when texting with others.

We also created some charts showing the top 5 most frequently used emojis based on students’ gender and sexual orientation. On the left side, charts 1 & 2 show the most frequent types of emojis that male and female students use during online communication. From here, we could see that the average number of different emojis used by females was significantly higher, indicating a broader expressive range. More specifically, emojis such as 😭, ❤️, 😍, and 🥺 were predominantly used by female students, emphasizing a wider variety and a relatively higher frequency of emoji usage. On the contrary, male students demonstrated a more limited and functional use of emojis. Emojis included 😂, 😎, 👌 and reflected their preference for simpler, less emotionally varied communication.

On the right side, charts 3 & 4 show the emoji frequency based on students’ sexual orientation as LGBTQ+ students exhibited distinctive patterns in emoji usage. While emojis such as ❤️ and 😍 were used by LGBTQ+ members to convey nuanced social interactions, some emojis such as 🤔️, which might not be as prevalent among heterosexual students, were used for unique identity expressions.

Besides doing quantitative analysis, we also focus on content analysis which examines the context and meanings behind emoji usage for each gender and sexuality group through collecting screenshots of their recent in-text conversation where they used emoji. From the gender perspective, female students tend to use emojis to express a wide range of emotions, from joy and love to sadness and empathy. For instance, emojis like 😭 and 🥺 often appear in conversations involving apologies or sharing emotional experiences, indicating a high level of emotional expressiveness; The use of ❤️ and 😍 highlights the importance of emotional support and connectivity in their interactions.

From Image 1, a female student claimed that she used a heart next to a “teaspoon” because she loves their boba. This illustrates her desire of providing emotional feedback to maintain her social bonds with her friends. Nevertheless, male students tend to use a narrower range of emojis to add humor and casualness into their interaction. Emojis such as 😂 and 😎 are commonly used in light-hearted conversations, indicating a preference for maintaining a relaxed and friendly tone. From Image 2, a male student was reacting to a funny video and this indicates his tendency to be friendly and approachable while implicitly showing his preference of having a simple and straightforward conversation.

From the sexuality perspective, members of the LGBTQ+ community use emojis to convey complex social interactions and support. Some emojis which might not be as prevalent among heterosexual students, appear to express empathy and encouragement while highlighting positivity and uniqueness in conversations.

From Image 3, a bisexual female student said that she was wishing her male friend to have a fun night at the club. The emojis such 🥳 and 🎃 reflects the LGBTQ+ users’ different approach to expressing encouragement and connectivity. Conversely, non-LGBTQ+ students tend to utilize a standard set of emojis that are widely understood and conventional in the community. Emojis such as 👍 and 👌 were commonly used to suggest a preference for simplicity and directness during conversation. In Image 4, a heterosexual female student was texting her mom and asking her when she would like to come with her to get a dress for graduation. The appearance of the emoji 😭 reflects a preference for widely recognized emotional expressions while indicating her demand to facilitate clear and efficient communication.

Discussion

The results of our study highlight notable variations in the use of emojis among UCLA undergraduates according to gender and sexual orientation, which has important societal ramifications for interpersonal interactions. In contrast to males, who often use emojis less frequently and instead concentrate on humor or information sharing, women are more likely to utilize a wide variety of emojis to communicate emotions and foster connections. Emojis are a tool that LGBTQ+ people use to communicate who they are and to challenge social standards. By accommodating a variety of communication styles, recognizing these distinctive patterns can promote teamwork in educational and professional contexts, improve relationships with others by encouraging better understanding and empathy, and support the acceptance and normalization of LGBT identities. By adopting these realizations, we may build a more compassionate and diverse society where digital communication tools are tailored to meet the diverse needs of all users.

Conclusion

The findings of this study support our hypothesis that there are significant differences in the frequency and types of emojis used between male and female undergraduate students at UCLA. Female students tend to use emojis more frequently and choose from a wider variety, including emoticons like 🥺, 😭, ❤️, and 😍, indicating high emotional expressiveness. On the other hand, male students prefer a narrower range of emojis such as 😂 and 😎, reflecting humor and casualness in their communication style.

Moreover, our findings suggest that members of the LGBTQ+ community, such as gay and lesbian individuals, use emojis in distinct ways to express identity and convey nuanced social interactions not as prevalent among heterosexual students. LGBTQ+ individuals often use emojis like ✨, 🌟, and 🥳 highlighting positivity, uniqueness, and emotional depth in their digital expressions. In contrast, non-LGBTQ individuals tend to use simpler emojis like 👌 and 👍 and 😭, indicating a preference for directness and simplicity in their communication. These findings have important implications for understanding how gender and sexuality influence emoji usage in digital communication. They shed light on the complexities of digital interaction and social media communication, informing future studies in this area.

References

Bai, Q., Dan, Q., Mu, Z., & Yang, M. (2019). A Systematic Review of Emoji: Current Research and Future Perspectives. Frontiers in Psychology, 10, 2221. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2019.02221

Gray, M. (2023). Emojis and the Expression of Queer Identity: A Sentiment Analysis Approach. Master’s Thesis, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia.

Herring, S. C., & Dainas, A. R. (2018). Receiver interpretations of emoji functions: A gender perspective. In Proceedings of the 1st International Workshop on Emoji Understanding and Applications in Social Media. Stanford, CA.

Jones, L. L., Wurm, L. H., Norville, G. A., & Mullins, K. L. (2020). Sex differences in emoji use, familiarity, and valence. Computers in Human Behavior, 108, 106305. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2020.106305

Pickett, T. (Speaker). (2017, May 17). Emoji: The Language of the Future [Video]. TEDxGreenville. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dzlek8nMrc8

Tannen, D. (2007). You just don’t understand: Women and men in conversation (1st Harper pbk. ed., pp. 74-96). New York, NY: Harper.

Wolf, A. (2004). Emotional expression online: Gender differences in emoticon use. CyberPsychology & Behavior, 3(5). Mary Ann Liebert, Inc. https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/abs/10.1089/10949310050191809