The Webbys 25 for 25

May 11 2014

The Invention of The Emoticon

The Webby Awards

With the invention of the Web came an influx of written correspondence. And, as anyone who has tried to convey sarcasm online can attest, tone can easily get lost between the lines of an email.

That’s why in 1982 computer scientist Scott Fahlman invented the emoticon. His invention actually predates the Web: The above suggestion was posted on a message board on Carnegie Mellon’s network, but the sentiment endures.

From simple emoticons to lines of colorful emoji to reaction GIFs, “joke markers” are still a very important part of how we communicate online.

¯\_(ツ)_/¯

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About W3C

Established 20 years ago in 1994, the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) is a global, independent community of technology thought leaders, influencers, developers, and Web users who shape open technology specifications for the Web. We help transform businesses, societies, and economies, while providing a voice to all who seek quality Web experiences.

W3C members—including the world's major technology companies, universities, government agencies, and non-profit organizations—collaborate under the leadership of Web inventor Tim Berners-Lee and CEO Dr. Jeff Jaffe. Our community also extends to individuals and non-member organizations through Community Groups, Web Platform Docs, W3DevCampus, public discussion lists, and other activities.

About the World Wide Web Foundation

The Web Foundation seeks to establish the open Web as a global public good and a basic right, ensuring that everyone can access and use it freely.

In honour of the Web’s 25th Anniversary, the Web Foundation has become a founding partner in the Web We Want campaign. Over the next 12 months, we will engage millions around the world to tell us about their wishes for the Web and then work to build its future together. We'll amplify, support and strengthen local groups, especially in the developing world, allowing everyone, everywhere to define and claim the rights they want to have online both nationally and globally.