Story perspectives

1982: Professor Introduces Emoticons to Clarify Online Communication

11/20/2025

Summary

Story summary

On September 19, 1982, Scott Fahlman, a computer science professor at Carnegie Mellon University, proposed using emoticons like :-) and :-( to differentiate jokes from serious comments online.
He noted that text-based communication lacks non-verbal cues, risking misinterpretations after a physics problem discussion and a facetious warning about a contaminated elevator.
His suggestion aimed to reduce confusion and prevent heated arguments, marking a key moment in online communication.

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Story summary

On September 19, 1982, Scott Fahlman, a computer science professor at Carnegie Mellon University, proposed using emoticons like :-) and :-( to differentiate jokes from serious comments online.
He noted that text-based communication lacks non-verbal cues, risking misinterpretations after a physics problem discussion and a facetious warning about a contaminated elevator.
His suggestion aimed to reduce confusion and prevent heated arguments, marking a key moment in online communication.