New Delhi, Jul 16 (IANSlife): Recording a massive 58 percent increase during the lockdown period, usage of emoticons -- or emoji -- on social media platforms reflect the times we live in with more use of microbe emoji, face with a medical mask, folded hands, and face with head-bandage emoji.

Ahead of World Emoji Day on July 17, data from Bobble AI - a homegrown Artificial Intelligence innovation company - shows a transformation in the conversational trends of youth, particularly the millennials and GenZ.

The nationwide mood shift is reflected in virus- and medical-related emojis. Despite the change in trends, the face with tears of joy is still the most used emoji.

That's not all. Top ten emojis used for 'Work from Home', additionally included laptop, fire, house and chocolate bar emoticons - signaling a change in work cultures across the country.

Emojis used in conversations on dating apps tend to express joy, be more flirty and romantic. According to Bobble AI's report, the most popular emojis on dating applications are - face with tears of joy, kiss mark, and face with smiling eyes.