Netflix’s latest crime drama Adolescence is making waves, especially among parents, as it sheds light on the often-hidden meanings behind emojis used by teenagers. The four-part series follows 13-year-old Jamie Miller, portrayed by Owen Cooper, who finds himself at the center of controversy when he is arrested for the murder of his female classmate, Katie. This alarming event is compounded by the fact Jamie has been radicalized by incel culture—a toxic and often misogynistic subculture permeated by online communities.
One particularly unsettling scene shows DI Luke Bascombe, played by Ashley Walters, failing to grasp the gravity of emojis left on Jamie's Instagram. Initially misreading them as harmless flirting, it is only when his teenage son Adam (played by Amari Bacchus) reveals their more sinister meanings, does the true danger become clear. “The red pill is like ‘I see the truth’. It’s a call to action by the manosphere,” explains Adam, providing insight not only to his father but also to audiences who may remain unaware of the coded language today's youth is using.
Adam elaborates, noting how emojis have transformed communication among his peers. For example, he points out how one dynamite emoji symbolizes what he calls the 'exploding red pill', indicating someone who identifies as incel. This dark terminology draws attention to how insidious these online worlds can be, with the '80/20 rule' also explained by Adam as, “80% of women are attracted to 20% of men,” hinting at the disturbing ideologies often discussed among incels.
Viewers learn of even more coded messages via emojis as Adam connects the kidney bean emoji to incel identity due to its resonance with derogatory memes surrounding women, particularly on platforms like 4Chan and Reddit. He also discloses how seemingly innocent heart emojis can carry entirely different meanings between generations. “Red means love, purple horny, yellow ‘I’m interested, are you interested,’ and pink ‘I’m interested but not in sex’,” Adam explains. This stark generational divide highlights how online associations shift as technology and languages evolve.
For parents witnessing such communication, the challenge lies not just in deciphering these meanings but knowing how to respond. Parenting expert Jenny Warwick emphasizes the importance of maintaining open dialogues about these issues. “You want to encourage an open dialogue with no judgment,” she advises, stressing the importance of creating safe spaces where children feel comfortable discussing alarming messages they might encounter online. This can go beyond emojis; it's about helping children navigate the complex digital landscapes they inhabit.
Likewise, experts from the NSPCC recommend parents approach discussions about online safety with calmness, balance, and non-judgment. “Talking regularly with your child can help keep them safe online,” their guidelines suggest. This type of regular communication could help parents learn more about the environments their children frequent, demystifying aspects of the online world, including the meanings of specific emojis.
Commander Helen Shneider of the Australian Federal Police highlights the need for vigilance. “What is important to stress is trust. We are not asking parents to check phones,” she reassures. Instead, she emphasizes awareness of what these emojis might signify when used by children—some could indicate distress or problematic engagement with harmful ideologies.
To exemplify the shift toward incel-associated emojis, Adam explains how the kidney bean emoji can reference derogatory views toward women, also linking back to the coffee bean conveyed through memes. This connection showcases the layered meanings embedded within emoji usage, which often go unnoticed by adults. Parents can feel overwhelmed when faced with the complexity of such symbolism, but it is key for them to continue to engage with their children about these conversations.
Adolescents using emojis such as aubergines and peaches often implies something of sexual nature—these icons are commonly recognized within sexting as references to body parts or acts. For example, the skinniest aubergine famously symbolizes male genitalia, and peaches evoke female anatomy, emphasizing the frequent intertwining of both humor and harmful stereotypes.
Recognizing the potential dangers lurking behind seemingly innocent emojis encourages parents to remain vigilant yet open. Conversations about these meanings can help dismantle misunderstandings and create environments where adolescents feel safe exploring and questioning online culture. This trust is invaluable as children navigate their digital worlds.
Overall, Adolescence serves as both entertainment and education, prompting parents to reevaluate how they approach and understand the communication methods of their children. The stark reality of Jamie’s story provides both caution and motivation for adults striving to connect with younger generations amid the rapid evolution of language and symbols online.
