According to new research from the University of Texas at Austin, one specific texting habit could make your relationship feel stronger, more connected, and even longer-lasting. The study found that couples who use emojis in their messages tend to report higher satisfaction and closeness than those who don’t.
In the following sections, we’ll break down what researchers discovered about this everyday behavior and how those digital symbols can have a surprisingly big emotional payoff. Let’s start.
What the study revealed about texting and connection
Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin analyzed how adults interpret text messages with and without emojis. In the experiment, 260 participants read 15 text conversations that varied only by the presence or absence of emojis. Then, they were asked to rate how responsive and emotionally engaged the sender seemed.
The results were clear: texts that included emojis were perceived as warmer and more caring. People felt the sender was paying closer attention and showing genuine interest, both of which are linked to relationship satisfaction.
Sally Huh, the study’s author, explained, “This perceived partner responsiveness through emoji use was positively associated with closeness and relationship satisfaction. Surprisingly, there were no significant differences between face and non-face emojis”. In other words, it didn’t matter whether you sent a smiling face, a heart, or a random symbol; the act of adding an emoji made partners feel more emotionally connected.
Researchers believe this effect comes down to effort and intention. When someone takes the extra moment to include a visual cue, it signals care and attentiveness. It’s a small gesture, but one that adds warmth to otherwise plain digital text. In long-term relationships, that consistency in small acts of care often builds trust and emotional stability.
The importance of emojis when texting
This isn’t the first study to link emojis with stronger communication. Research from Christopher Newport University found that people who mirror their partner’s texting style—including emoji use—tend to be seen as more likable and responsive. Psychologists call this the “chameleon effect”, a social behavior where we naturally mimic others to create a connection.
Scott J. Varda, Ph.D., a communications professor at Baylor University, notes that emojis communicate abstract ideas and emotions. Positive emoji use can enhance how a message is received, making it sound more genuine and emotionally supportive. It also increases the sender’s credibility and strengthens the emotional bond between two people.
Think about it: a simple “Good morning ❤️” feels different from “Good morning”. The heart adds warmth and personality, and it reminds your partner that there’s emotion behind the words. So while emojis might seem trivial, they serve a real emotional purpose. They soften tone, bridge distance, and help partners stay emotionally tuned in to each other.
At the end of the day, staying connected is about communication that feels human. A heart, a laugh, or even a silly face can remind your partner you’re present and emotionally available. According to psychologists, that may be one of the simplest ways to keep love thriving in the digital age.