Since the late 1990s, the saying “I can’t express what I feel in words” has become less and less meaningful via instant messaging, thanks to the invention known as “Emojis.” The name “Emoji” actually derives from the Japanese words “e” (meaning “picture”) and “moji” (meaning “character”). Don’t you feel a lot more intelligent now that you know that? You’re welcome.
Emojis became more popular when Apple adopted them as an official keyboard. This allowed all iPhone users to have instant, easy access to these emotion, weather, profession and food emojis all with the tap of a button. Android soon followed suit, spreading the craze to just about every cellphone user left in the world.
Now, emojis have prompted the creation of a ridiculous amount of products. Emoji pillows and accessories were some of the first things to be released to the public. Who wouldn’t want a smiley face pillow? As if that weren’t enough, emoji dictionaries, clothing items, keychains, and now even a movie, have been created.
The emoji fandom was recently blessed by Apple with the release of their 10.2 update, featuring a wide variety of new foods, professions, animals, and emotions. Along with the increase in emoji variety, users were happy to find a greater diversity with race and gender. (Sorry redheads, we’re still waiting for you to be represented.)
Even with the many new emojis, the easily recognizable “Face with tears of joy” still remains on top of the Emoji. No matter what your preferred emoji might be, Apple has very nearly ensured that there is a silly little icon for everyone. But remember, give your eyes a break from your emojis at least every 20 minutes. Too much screen time can seriously damage your eyes.
The best and most effective way to prevent dry eyes, fatigue, and eye strain is to follow the 20/20/20 rule.
Every 20 minutes, computer or device users should look up for 20 seconds and focus on something that is 20 feet away. Simply following this rule could make computer-related eye pain and dryness disappear in the blink of an eye.
