Parents across the country are being urged to pay closer attention to what their children are doing on their phones—particularly when it comes to the use of emojis. While these small, colorful icons may seem harmless or even playful, experts and law enforcement are warning that they can carry darker, coded meanings. This alert comes in light of Netflix’s intense new drama Adolescence, which sheds light on how young people are using emojis to communicate secret messages, especially within dangerous online spaces.

The series follows 13-year-old Jamie Miller, portrayed by Owen Cooper, who is accused of murdering a female classmate. The show unravels how Jamie’s behavior changed after he fell into toxic digital communities, where he was influenced by extremist views. One especially disturbing scene features his friend Adam (played by Amari Bacchus) explaining the hidden meanings behind some of the most commonly used emojis—symbols that seem completely ordinary to most parents.

Surprisingly, emojis like kidney beans, different colored hearts, and the bold red “100” emoji are being reinterpreted as tools of covert communication. In particular, they are being used by members of the “manosphere,” a loosely connected group of online influencers who promote misogynistic and harmful ideas. Within these communities, terms such as “incel”—short for “involuntary celibate”—describe men who believe they are destined to remain single and blame women for their perceived misfortune. These beliefs often become gateways to more radical, sometimes violent behavior.

Inside the manosphere, specific emojis have taken on new meanings. For example, the red pill emoji is especially significant. Dr. Robert Lawson, a sociolinguist from Birmingham City University, explains that the concept of “taking the red pill” originally comes from the movie The Matrix, where it symbolizes awakening to a difficult truth. However, in manosphere circles, it now represents the adoption of anti-women ideologies and the rejection of modern values such as gender equality. In the show Adolescence, Detective Inspector Luke Bascome (played by Ashley Walters) learns from his own son that the dynamite emoji can be used to represent an “exploding red pill,” indicating that someone has embraced a more extreme form of incel ideology.

The “100” emoji, widely used across social media to signal authenticity or agreement, also has a darker meaning in this context. Adam, Jamie’s friend in the series, explains that it refers to the “80/20 rule”—a belief that 80% of women only find 20% of men attractive. This theory, frequently cited in incel communities, fosters resentment toward women and fuels damaging stereotypes.

Perhaps the most puzzling symbol of all is the kidney bean emoji. Its exact origins are unclear, but it’s often used online to mark someone as an incel in a subtle way. Some experts believe its meaning has evolved from older internet culture, especially from platforms like Reddit and 4Chan. There, coffee-related emojis or phrases like “women coffee” were used to mock women. In that context, the kidney bean may serve as a stand-in for coffee beans—carrying the same negative connotations.

The show breaks down these emojis and their interpretations, making them easier for viewers—especially parents—to recognize. According to Adolescence:

• Red pill: Symbolizes acceptance of incel beliefs.
• Dynamite: Represents a more radicalized incel, also known as an “exploding red pill.”
• 100 emoji: Tied to the “80/20 rule,” promoting the idea that most women only desire a small percentage of men.
• Kidney bean: Used to subtly label someone as an incel.

Colored hearts are another category with hidden meanings. While most people see heart emojis as innocent symbols of affection, the show reveals that the color of the heart can imply vastly different messages. For instance, the red heart still represents traditional love. But the purple heart can indicate sexual desire or horniness. A yellow heart might mean someone is expressing interest—asking “I’m interested, are you?”—while a pink heart implies interest in a non-sexual or platonic way. Meanwhile, an orange heart may be used as a comforting signal, like saying “You’re going to be okay.”

It’s important to recognize that emoji meanings can shift depending on the community using them. Online slang evolves quickly, and not every usage of a certain emoji should cause panic. But Adolescence makes it clear that within specific online subcultures, these interpretations are consistent and carry significant meaning. Parents who don’t understand the evolving language of the digital world may miss signs of deeper issues in their child’s online behavior.

The series serves as a powerful fictional lens into a very real concern: the way young people are being drawn into harmful ideologies through everyday online interactions. Emojis, memes, and other digital symbols can act as gateways into communities that prey on vulnerability—especially among boys and young men who may feel misunderstood or isolated. These online spaces offer them a false sense of belonging while encouraging deeply troubling views about gender and society.

Adolescence also indirectly highlights real-world figures like Andrew Tate, a controversial influencer accused of promoting sexist attitudes to his massive following. People like Tate often blend humor, memes, and coded language into their content, making it difficult for outsiders—including parents and teachers—to recognize when something is off. It’s this subtlety that makes digital radicalization so dangerous.

So what can parents do to protect their children? Start by paying attention—not just to the content your child posts, but to the language and symbols they use. Emojis like the red pill, dynamite, kidney bean, or “100” emoji used in strange or frequent ways might be a signal. That doesn’t automatically mean your child is in trouble, but it’s a reason to have an open conversation.

The key is communication. Ask questions without jumping to conclusions. Create a space where your child feels comfortable sharing their experiences online. You don’t need to be a technology expert to stay involved. Just being engaged, asking questions, and being willing to learn the language your child speaks online can go a long way in keeping them safe and supported.