The memoji-mask: Face and expressiveness in digital culture

This article reflects on graphic representations of the face in the digital environment through an analysis of digital avatars known as memojis, which have evolved from emojis by allowing the user's face to be personalized. Unlike conventional emojis, which express emotions in a standardized wa...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Autores: Sato, Silvio Koiti, Perez, Clotilde
Tipo de recurso: artículo
Estado:Versión publicada
Fecha de publicación:2025
País:Uruguay
Institución:Universidad ORT Uruguay
Repositorio:RAD
Idioma:español
inglés
OAI Identifier:oai:rad.ort.edu.uy:20.500.11968/7683
Acceso en línea:https://revistas.ort.edu.uy/inmediaciones-de-la-comunicacion/article/view/4111
http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11968/7683
Access Level:acceso abierto
Palabra clave:memojis
emojis
face
digital culture
semiotics
cultura digital
semiótica
rosto
Descripción
Sumario:This article reflects on graphic representations of the face in the digital environment through an analysis of digital avatars known as memojis, which have evolved from emojis by allowing the user's face to be personalized. Unlike conventional emojis, which express emotions in a standardized way, memojis make it possible to create customized avatars, incorporating the individual's physical characteristics. In addition, they can be used not only in text messages, but also to replace profile photos or faces in video interactions. Using a theoretical approach to digital culture and contemporary subjectivity, this study examines Apple's memojis through the lens of Peircean semiotics. The hypothesis guiding the work suggests that replacing the real face with a memoji could enhance expressiveness and individuality, although it also carries risks of homogenization. We conclude that these figures can be used as masks in increasingly sophisticated communication practices, but still in a limited manner, since they are based on an essentially optimistic perspective in a somewhat idealized world.