reaction image

plural reaction images

1. InternetformalAn image used in lieu of text, emoticons or emojis to express one's physical reaction or emotional state.

   Reaction images and gifs are highly prevalent within online fandoms

   2023, Jieun Kiaer, Emoji Speak: Communication and Behaviours on Social Media, Bloomsbury Publishing

   3 more examples

   In its most basic form, the reaction image does what its name suggests: it represents the user's response to written or visual information within a conversation thread with other users

   2015, Charlie White, “On ”, in Vision Anew: The Lens and Screen Arts, page 222

   A reaction image featuring American comedian and game show host Steve Harvey was used to question the temporary joy felt at the zingers offered by Clinton and Trump.

   2018, Jonathan S. Carter, “Debating Memes: Networked Democracy and the Politics of Cynical Laughter”, in Televised Presidential Debates in a Changing Media Environment

   One version of the 'Lonely Theresa May' meme also references the more established 'This is Fine' meme typically used as a reaction image to convey a sense of self-denial 'in the face of a hopeless situation'.

   2019, Giorgia Aiello & Katy Parry, Visual Communication: Understanding Images in Media Culture, SAGE publishing

   Synonyms: reaction GIF, reaction pic