WORLD: What was once a universal sign of approval—the thumbs-up—has taken on a different meaning among younger generations. For Gen Z, the symbol that traditionally meant “okay” or “good job” now feels cold, sarcastic, or even passive-aggressive in digital conversations. Many younger users say receiving a thumbs-up emoji from someone feels more like a brush-off than encouragement.
The shift highlights how digital communication evolves with each generation. Where older users see the thumbs-up as quick and friendly, Gen Z interprets it as abrupt and lacking warmth, preferring emojis that feel more expressive or nuanced, such as hearts, sparkles, or more animated reactions. This difference has created an online etiquette gap between age groups.
Experts note that emojis carry tone as much as text does, and when meanings change, misunderstandings follow. The thumbs-up emoji is still widely used, but it’s becoming a symbol of generational divides in workplace chats, group messages, and social media.
Ultimately, whether it’s rude depends on context and relationships. In casual chats among peers, it might come off as blunt; in professional settings, it’s often still seen as neutral or positive. The takeaway? If in doubt, add a few words or a warmer emoji to make your intent clear.
