What Do the Emojis in Netflix’s Adolescence Really Mean?

Adolescence is one of Netflix’s latest miniseries that has captured the attention of millions of viewers around the world. This British production, created by Jack Thorne and Stephen Graham, tells a powerful story across just four episodes. It follows Jamie, a 13-year-old boy accused of murdering one of his classmates. As the case unfolds, his family, a therapist, and a detective work together to uncover the truth behind what really happened.

What makes this miniseries stand out isn’t just its gripping plot, but also the way it’s filmed—each episode is shot in a single continuous take. The subject it tackles is sensitive and has sparked reflection among many viewers. The way teenagers use the internet today is becoming an increasingly serious concern.

Because the show portrays the digital world teens live in, it also highlights a key part of that world: emojis. These small icons, which express emotions, objects, and more, play an important role in the story. In fact, investigators in the series analyze the messages exchanged between the victim and her alleged killer—where emojis become clues.

🎬 Adolescence is a show that, in my opinion, should be watched by everyone who loves cinema for its technical aspects, storytelling, and genuinely wants to learn something and cinema in general. This show caters to everyone, which makes it outstanding.

The long shots will… pic.twitter.com/Y0E4aqxHSV

— Cine Vichaar (@Cine_vichaar) March 25, 2025

What’s striking is that these emojis seem harmless at first glance, but they actually carry hidden meanings. Which ones? We break them down here:

What do the emojis mean in Adolescence?

• Red heart (❤️) – Represents love.
• Purple heart (💜) – Symbolizes sexual desire.
• Yellow heart (💛) – Stands for mutual interest.
• Pink heart (🩷) – Shows attraction without sexual intent.
• Red pill (💊) – Refers to the «red pill» concept from The Matrix. In the series, it represents a misogynistic mindset where certain men believe women have been given too much power.
• Explosive (🧨) – Reflects the emotional or ideological outburst linked to the red pill idea.
• Bean (🫘) – Used in online forums to identify “incels,” a group of men who blame women for their lack of romantic or sexual success.

As mentioned earlier, Adolescence dives deep into the emotional and psychological world of teenagers through a powerful and thought-provoking story. As the episodes unfold, the mystery behind the crime begins to unravel, touching on important issues like guilt, innocence, and the intense social pressure teens often face.

The series also offers an intimate look at family dynamics and the inner struggles many young people deal with during such a crucial stage of life. With a realistic and sensitive approach, Adolescence encourages viewers to reflect on the challenges and experiences that shape adolescence and the journey of self-discovery.