Cost a Couple $2,200 Over a Rental Dispute

Emojis are more than just a way to express emotions, such as crying while smiling or a preference for eggplants. They have importance in particular discourses because they communicate meaning. If at least one European court is to be believed, there is not just meaningful value but also actual, monetary value.

In Israel, a landlord and two prospective tenants were negotiating a lease in 2017. The prospective tenant texted the landlord several times to demonstrate interest and stated that they "just wanted to discuss the details." The property's advertisement was later removed by the landlord. What took place next? The prospective tenants stopped texting, so the landlord filed a lawsuit.

His defense was that the emojis used in the text messages by the senders had persuaded him that they were interested. The communication contained at least six emojis, including a dancing figure, a bottle of champagne, and a cheerful face.

The landlord believed the deal was sealed even though no contract or official declaration of agreement had been made. Even more puzzling was the judge's concurrence in the case, who gave the landlord $2,200. Why? It exuded immense positivity and gave the landlord confidence that a deal would be reached. A party may act in reliance on another's implied intent, according to the official reliance argument.