Ok this post has well crossed 2k notes, so I should probably finally explain the story of the computer in the middle.
The controversial middle emoji in this set is from the original tossface emoji set. This was an emoji font put together by a Korean company mid-pandemic lockdown, that had a number of drastic emoji changes that were later edited and resubmitted as tossface exclusive emojis, mostly in regards to updating technology or replacing Japanese cultural references with more Korean alternatives. One of these changes was replacing hugging with a video call, as at that moment it was more common.
I included the computer as the center as a representation of online relationships. I myself have experienced a number of close yet long distance friendships over the years with people I likely never would have met otherwise in online communities. People I’d give big hugs if I’d ever met in person that maybe I never will.
I will also say I have noticed a fair amount of cynicism towards the formatting at this board, with a number of people calling the middle emoji “evil”, “soulless”, and “sicking”. I understand where the malice towards the idea of online relationships replacing human love with digital interaction comes from, but I’m going to ask people to lighten up a little on this one; It was supposed to be cute for people with online friends.
