Gen Z wants people to stop using the thumbs-up emoji as they think it comes across as rude and ‘passive-aggressive.’
Generation Z, also known as Zoomers, refers to people born during the late 1990s and early 2000s, with some sources specifying between 1997 and 2012.
Some people from this generation are now taking to social media and calling out people who use the thumbs-up emoji.
Apparently, it doesn’t only make you look old but rude too.
The debate over the thumbs-up emoji intensified after a Redditor questioned whether others also found it passive-aggressive.
“I recently started an ‘adult’ job where we use Microsoft Teams to communicate,” the user explained.
“There are only a few emojis available to react to messages—unless you reply, in which case you can use any emoji. Most of my coworkers rely heavily on the thumbs-up reaction. I don’t use it much myself. Instead, I prefer the heart reaction or a short reply, like ‘Great!’ or ‘Thanks!’ (Though, to be honest, I think I overuse exclamation marks—but that’s another issue).
“While I understand that the thumbs-up is a common response, something about it still feels off to me. Does anyone else feel the same way?”
Naturally, there’s been a wave of responses, with people divided on what the emoji stands for.
One person comments: “For younger people (I’m 24 for reference) the thumbs up emoji is used to be really passive-aggressive.
“It’s super rude if someone just sends you a thumbs up. So I also had a weird time adjusting because my workplace is the same.
“So yeah, it’s a generational communication culture difference.”
In agreement, a second user says: “I don’t know why but it seemed a little bit hostile to me, like an acknowledgment but kind of saying ‘I don’t really care/am not interested?”
“It’s not that odd to see it as passive-aggressive,” weighs in a third. “Just imagine how would it feel to go into your boss’ room, say something, and then see him turn to you, look you in the eye, and give you a thumbs up.”
However, others think people are reading far too much into the emoji, with one Redditor responding: “Passive aggressive? Are you being serious or facetious? It’s a thumbs up.”
“You’re thinking about it too much! Use whatever you want,” adds another.
According to the Emojipedia website, it’s acknowledged that the thumbs-up emoji ‘can be construed as being passive aggressive or sarcastic.’ It states that while some people may use it this way, it also represents a way of ‘quickly and earnestly expressing approval.’
Recently, Fox News host Emily Compagno weighed in on the matter and said she doesn’t care what Gen Z thinks about her and the emojis she uses in a recent debate on the channel.
She stated: “We have to somehow change our behavior and our silent communication because they’re a bunch of snowflakes? No, thanks.”
