Emotional Activities in Computer-mediated Communication: Facial Electromyography Response and Emoticon Use during Instant Messaging

Abstract

In this study, we use electromyography data of the orbicularis oculi and zygomaticus major as indices of positive emotions to analyze facial muscle activities in computer-mediated communication. We find a difference in frequency of facial muscle activities, influence from stimuli, and other aspects under varied instructions on emoticon use. Results suggest that richness of nonverbal methods is a key factor that affects emotional activities in computer-mediated communication. Although we collected data from two counties, we could not find any significant difference between them. Instead, we found that participants from the two countries have some patterns of emoticon use in common. We believe that, in certain situations emoticon use and facial activities in computer-mediated communication can show commonality between countries on a certain level.