The English language is constantly shifting, with merging communities and tech making it evolve faster than ever; 86% of British parents think teens speak a different language on social media. So how can brands use words, emoticons and colloquialisms to better communicate with their audiences?

Over two billion smartphone users send six billion emojis a day. And most Gen Yers now believe that these symbols improve our ability to communicate. But research shows that emojis may be more confusing than we think, as they can have different meanings to different people.

Who needs words when you have emojis? Most Gen Yers now believe that these colourful symbols improve our ability to communicate, using them in the majority of all messages sent. In fact, almost three-quarters find it easier to express emotions with emojis than they do with words.

Private messaging is an ideal medium to do the obvious – open a dialogue and conduct a conversation. In fact, 59% of all US social sharing now occurs in private channels. But while people are happy to chat to their mates on platforms like Facebook Messenger, how can brands get involved?