Final answer:
The statement asserting more frequent use of emojis in digital communication is true; emojis differ from emoticons and signify cultural shifts in language use and social interaction, revealing the importance of symbolic interactionism in sociological studies.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that we are likely to see more emojis as we communicate more using our computers and phones is true. Emojis are graphical representations of emotions, objects, or symbols, which are different from emoticons, the latter being textual portrayals of a writer's moods or facial expressions. With the increasing use of digital communication, there is a notable shift in language and the mediums we use to express ourselves. The use of emojis by students is indicative of their desire to forge a distinct linguistic identity separate from older generations. This phenomenon also reflects broader societal trends, where newer methods of communication, such as instant messaging, are replacing traditional ones like telephone calls.
Such shifts in communication mirror the changing landscape in which technology alters the way we deal with conflict, view our relationship with our environment, and perceive social status symbols. The perspective of symbolic interactionism is significant when analyzing these changes. Observing how younger individuals use emojis differently, such as opting for a skull emoji over the previously popular 'laughing with crying eyes' emoji, encapsulates the dynamic nature of language and symbolism in a digital age, where meanings and symbols evolve at a rapid pace. Sociologists and other experts continue to study these changes, recognizing the need for further research into the consequences and impacts of our reliance on electronic communication.