here is the introduction I have wrote:
In the late 1990s, a digital phenomenon was born that would revolutionise the way people communicate: the emoji. These small, colourful icons were initially conceived as simple pictographs designed to convey emotions and ideas quickly and concisely, providing an effective means of enhancing text-based communication. Since their “debut,” emojis have undergone a remarkable evolution, expanding in both complexity and variety. Today, aside from still working as a communication enhancement tool, they also work as an essential tool for self-expression and creativity in the digital age, transcending humble beginnings to become a complex and nuanced language that can convey a wide range of emotions, contexts, and subtleties. It can be understood that this transformation has not only enriched online conversations but also provided users with a vibrant means to add depth and personality to their interactions. In fact, emojis began featuring various skin tones in 2015 in an effort to foster a feeling of connection and representation. (Robertson, 2023). In a sense, it allows people to express themselves in ways that words alone often cannot, bridging the gap between written language and the emotional nuance of face-to-face communication. Among the diverse ways emojis are utilised, a particularly interesting application is found in the world of Vtubers-virtual YouTubers. These online personalities, who use animated avatars to engage with their audience, have harnessed the expressive power of emojis to reflect and enhance their online identities. The use of emojis not only allows Vtubers to represent their online identities within the community, but fans can also use emojis on social media and other online platforms to express their support and belonging to their favourite Vtubers. This essay aims to explore VTubers from the company “Nijisanji,” examining how they select emojis to reflect their unique online personas through the lens of identity theory. Additionally, it delves into the parasocial relationships between VTubers and their fans to show the significant role of emojis in building and maintaining online communities.
