CAVEAT: The interpretation of emojis and algospeak among youth can differ in their intent and meanings often shifting depending on context and geographical locations. Although some emojis and algospeak might convey distress or sorrow, they can equally be employed in a lighthearted or non-harmful manner. It’s important for parents, caregivers, and educators to not hastily draw conclusions when they come across the emojis and algospeak associated with depression, self-harm, or suicide that are mentioned in this article.
In today’s onlife world, communication among young people has evolved dramatically. Emojis, those small digital cartoonish icons, have become an integral part of how youth express themselves with others online. While emojis are often used to convey emotions, they can also serve as subtle indicators of deeper emotional struggles, such as depression, self-harm, or even thoughts of suicidal ideations. As parents, caregivers, and educators it’s crucial to understand that sometimes the way a youth uses emojis can be an indicator of their mental well-being.
Emojis are much more than just cute pictures or symbols; they’re a digital language that allows youth to express complex feelings and thoughts in a simplified way. Youth often use emojis to communicate happiness, sadness, anger, excitement, and everything in between. However, it’s important to recognize that these tiny icons can also be used contextually to express depression, self-harm, and suicidal ideations some of these emojis could include:
🪒 Razor = cutting/self-harm
✂️ Scissors = cutting/self-harm
🔪 Knife = cutting/self-harm
🗡️ Dagger = cutting/self-harm
🩸 Bood Drop = hurting or bleeding/self-harm
💊 Pill = suicide/self-harm
🔥 Fire = burning self
🖤 Black Heart = depression, sad
⛓️ Chains = feeling trapped
🔫 Gun = suicide by firearm
🤕 Physical or Emotional pain
😭 Extreme sadness or suffering
🌧️ Feeling depressed
☠️ Death
⚰️ Coffin
🪦 Headstone
Emoji Combinations:
💊+ 🛁+☠️+⚰️= Suicide by pills in bathroom/bathtub
😭+🔫 +🪦 = depressed considering suicide by gun
🖤+⛓️+✂️= feeling depressed, trapped, and cutting
Not only is it important for parents, caregivers, and educators to be aware of concerning emojis, but they should also be aware of “algospeak” which is also becoming more prevalent on popular social media platforms like TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, and Twitch.
Algospeak refers to a set of code words or phrases that users have created or adopted to navigate content moderation filters effectively. This approach aims to maintain a vocabulary that prevents their posts from being removed or downranked by the platforms’ content moderation systems. For example, instead of using the word “dead”, it’s common to see phrases like “unalive”. As parents, it’s essential to be aware of this trend and understand its implications for online content – some examples include:
Unalive/un4l1ve = suicide/dead
Depressi0n = depression
Spicy Shower = The act of taking a shower with open or recent self-injuries. Meaning: it’s ‘spicy’ because it burns
Sewer Slide = suicide
K1ll = kill
Cat Scratches = cutting
Barcode = an alternative way to identify self-harm scars
Back to school Necklace = suicide by hanging
NOTE: it’s not uncommon that youth will utilize hashtags # with algospeak, some examples: #unalive, #sewerslide, or #spicyshower
Recognizing the potential importance of emojis and algospeak is merely the initial phase for parents, caregivers, and educators when it comes to indicators of depression, self-harm, and suicidal ideations. What truly matters is cultivating an environment of open, non-judgmental communication with your child/student when you believe they are experiencing a mental health challenge. To achieve this, consider the following:
- Be Observant: Pay attention to your child’s/student’s digital interactions and the emojis and the algospeak they use. Look for patterns or any sudden changes in their emoji or texting language used.
- Ask Questions: When you notice something unusual or concerning, ask your child/student about it. Be gentle and non-accusatory or judgemental in your approach. Let them know you are there to support them.
- Listen Actively: When your child/student opens up, again listen without judgment. They need to feel safe discussing their emotions and experiences with you.
- Seek Professional Help: If you suspect that your child/student is struggling with self-harm or suicidal thoughts, do not hesitate to seek professional help. Reach out to a therapist, counselor, or mental health specialist who can provide the necessary guidance and support. Reaching out for help as a parent, caregiver, or educators is not a sign of weakness – rather it is a sign of strength!
Identifying signs of self-harm in your child or student is crucial when it comes to providing the support and care they need, so here are some more thoughts:
- pay close attention to your child’s/student’s physical well-being, especially any unexplained cuts, burns, or bruises, particularly in discrete areas like their inner thighs, under arms, and wrists, as these marks may indicate self-inflicted harm. When your child/student provides explanations for their injuries that appear implausible or inconsistent, consider it a warning beacon and drill down a little further.
- be vigilant for significant changes in their verbal and non-verbal behavior, such as withdrawing from social interactions, displaying sudden and extreme mood swings, or consistently choosing to wear long sleeves or pants in warm weather, possibly to conceal self-inflicted injuries or scars.
- actively listen to what your child/student communicates, both offline and online, as they may indirectly share their struggles or emotional pain through their emojis, words, or actions thus providing valuable insights into their emotional and psychological state of mind.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Remember, it’s important to approach your child with care and empathy if you suspect they are depressed or may be self-harming. Open, non-judgmental communication and seeking professional help when needed are essential steps in providing the necessary support and assistance for your child’s well-being.
In today’s rapidly evolving onlife world, where emojis and algospeak have become part of the language of our youth, it’s vital for parents to be vigilant and proactive in understanding their children’s emotional well-being. These digital icons can sometimes be more than just playful expressions; they can serve as subtle indicators of profound emotional struggles. By paying attention to the emojis and algospeak that your child uses, you can gain insight into their mental state. However, it doesn’t stop there. Building an open and non-judgmental line of communication with your child is equally crucial. Be observant, ask questions, and listen actively. If you ever suspect self-harm or suicidal ideations, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. Remember, identifying these signs and offering support are vital steps in ensuring your child’s well-being. Your understanding and care can make a significant difference in their life.
Knowledge and the understanding and application of that knowledge is power!
Parent, Caregiver, and Educator Resources:
#1/ Both the use of emojis and algospeak by youth is constantly changing and adapting. A great resource to help parents and caregivers to stay abreast of these changes and adaptation is the website Urban Dictionary that can be found here – https://www.urbandictionary.com
#2/ To find resources to help parents and teens cope with self-harm and suicidal ideations check out our FREE White Hatter App. The White Hatter app is a collection of helpful tools and resources for students, teens, teachers, and parents who need help from a variety of challenges such as bullying, mental illness, substance abuse, sexuality, and various emergencies. Some of these resources offer 24/7 assistance in times of crisis. We offer dedicated Canadian and United States resources pages – all accessible within our app!https://thewhitehatter.ca/app/
Digital Food For Thought
The White Hatter
