Know the signs of emojis spreading sexist hate

AN EXPERT reveals the hidden meanings behind emojis that parents should look out for - including the cat face, dynamite and chair emoji.

- FREDDIE NOBLE

Keith Broni, 35, explained the images which also featured in Netflix' hard-hitting drama Adolescence, which highlighted how children can be radicalised online by misogynistic content.

The editor-in-chief of Emojipedia, the icon search engine, said people have been using emojis for secret meanings for over a decade.

He added symbols relating to the 'manosphere' - a collection of influencers who push sexist ideas to young men online - include the red pill, kidney beans, and the coffee emoji.

Keith, from Dublin, said: "This has been happening for at least 10 years when the emoji keyboard was used on keyboards.

"It's just revolving. Every demographic has their own slang and they want to put itself in contrast with the generation before them.

"I have heard of incel language before, and I've been chronically online for better or for worse.