Parents are being urged to pay closer attention to what their children are sharing on their phones—especially when it comes to emojis. Experts and law enforcement warn that these seemingly harmless symbols might carry darker, coded meanings. This caution comes on the heels of Netflix’s gripping new drama Adolescence, which has spotlighted how emojis are being used to convey secret messages, particularly within harmful online communities.

The series centers on Jamie Miller, a 13-year-old boy played by Owen Cooper, who is accused of murdering a female classmate. Throughout the show, the narrative explores Jamie’s descent into dangerous online spaces and how he becomes radicalized by toxic ideologies. One of the most chilling scenes features Jamie’s friend Adam (Amari Bacchus) explaining the hidden significance behind common emojis—meanings that most adults would never suspect.

From innocent-looking kidney beans to colored hearts and the bold red “100” emoji, these symbols are being used to communicate affiliations with extremist online groups. Specifically, they are tied to the “manosphere,” a digital network of influencers promoting misogynistic views. Within these circles, terms like “incel”—short for involuntary celibate—refer to men who believe they are doomed to remain single and blame women for their situation. Unfortunately, this belief system often leads to radical and dangerous behaviors.

How Emojis Are Being Co-Opted

In the manosphere, certain emojis have become secret signals. For example, the pill emoji—specifically the red pill—is a key symbol. According to Dr. Robert Lawson, a sociolinguist at Birmingham City University, the concept of “taking the red pill” comes from the film The Matrix, where it represented awakening to the harsh truth of reality. But in the manosphere, it symbolizes adopting misogynistic beliefs and rejecting mainstream societal norms, particularly those surrounding gender equality.

In Adolescence, DI Luke Bascome (played by Ashley Walters) learns from his son that the dynamite emoji can represent an “exploding red pill,” which essentially identifies someone as a hardcore incel. Another widely used symbol is the “100” emoji. In the show, Adam explains that this emoji reflects the controversial “80/20 rule,” a theory suggesting that 80% of women are attracted to only 20% of men. In the incel community, this belief fuels resentment and leads to harmful stereotypes about women.

Even more puzzling is the kidney bean emoji, which appears on social media posts as a subtle way of labeling someone an incel. While its connection to the manosphere isn’t entirely clear, some suggest it may have evolved from older internet memes on sites like 4Chan and Reddit. On those platforms, the coffee cup emoji or the phrase “women coffee” has been used to mock women, and kidney beans may symbolize coffee beans in this context.

What the Emojis Mean in Adolescence

• Red pill: Signals someone has adopted incel beliefs.

• Dynamite: Represents an “exploding red pill,” a more extreme incel ideology.

• 100 emoji: Refers to the “80/20 rule,” often cited by incels.

• Kidney bean: Another subtle symbol marking someone as part of the incel community.

Colored Hearts and Their Hidden Messages

While heart emojis might seem straightforward, their color can give them entirely different meanings. In Adolescence, Adam explains these codes to his dad:

• Red heart: Love.

• Purple heart: Horniness or sexual desire.

• Yellow heart: Interest, as in “I’m interested, are you?”

• Pink heart: Interest, but not in a sexual way.

• Orange heart: A sign of reassurance, like saying “You’re going to be fine.”

It’s important to note that these interpretations can vary. Online slang evolves quickly, and different communities might assign different meanings to the same emoji. However, in the context of the show—and in certain online spaces—these color codes carry specific connotations that parents might not be aware of.

The Reality of Online Radicalization

Adolescence offers a fictionalized but eye-opening look at how young people can be drawn into harmful ideologies through seemingly innocent online interactions. The use of emojis as covert communication tools is just one part of a broader problem. Communities like the manosphere often target vulnerable boys and young men, offering them a sense of belonging in exchange for adopting misogynistic and harmful worldviews.

The series also draws attention to real-life figures such as Andrew Tate, who has been accused of promoting sexist ideas and exploiting his massive online following. These influencers often mask their toxic beliefs with humor, memes, and coded language—like emoji use—making it difficult for parents and educators to spot red flags.

What Can Parents Do?

If you notice your child frequently using emojis like the red pill, dynamite, kidney beans, or even the “100” emoji in unusual ways, it’s worth having a conversation. Context matters. A single emoji doesn’t automatically mean a child is involved in problematic behavior, but it could indicate exposure to harmful online content.

Stay informed about the digital language your kids might be using. Open communication is key—ask questions without judgment and encourage your child to share what they’re experiencing online. You don’t have to be a tech expert to take an active role in your child’s digital life.