Parents are being urged to monitor what their children are sharing online, especially when it comes to emojis. Experts warn that harmless symbols can have hidden meanings, as shown in Netflix’s Adolescence, which explores how emojis are used in harmful online communities. In the series, a 13-year-old boy, Jamie Miller, becomes involved in radical online spaces and is exposed to toxic ideologies. A chilling moment in the show reveals how common emojis, like the kidney bean or red “100,” are used to communicate affiliations with extremist groups.
The “manosphere,” a network of misogynistic communities, has co-opted emojis like the red pill and dynamite to represent extreme beliefs, such as the “incel” ideology. These communities, often targeting vulnerable young men, promote harmful stereotypes about women. In Adolescence, certain emojis, like colored hearts, have hidden meanings, too—such as sexual desire or reassurance.
Parents should be aware of these symbols and have open conversations with their kids. Understanding the language and context of their online interactions can help prevent exposure to dangerous ideologies and radicalization.
