NPR report discusses skin color options for emojis, says picking which one to use can involve 'a complex conversation about race and identity'

Of all the topics in the world that could merit media attention, NPR has produced a report that delves into a discussion about the skin color of emojis.

The outlet has published an article and audio segment covering the issue.

"In 2015, five skin tone options became available for hand gesture emojis, in addition to the default Simpsons-like yellow," the article notes. "Choosing one can be a simple texting shortcut for some, but for others it opens a complex conversation about race and identity."

The report includes quotes from several people discussing their own personal practices on emoji usage.

"I use the default emoji, the yellow-toned one for professional settings, and then I use the dark brown emoji for friends and family," Jennifer Epperson said, according to the outlet. "I just don't have the emotional capacity to unpack race relations in the professional setting."

"I use the brown one that matches me," Sarai Cole said, according to NPR. "I have some friends who use the brown ones, too, but they are not brown themselves. This confuses me."

NPR noted that Cole "identifies as Black," and Epperson does as well.