• A Facebook logo on a computer screen is seen through a magnifying glass.

A Facebook logo on a computer screen is seen through a magnifying glass. (Photo : Reuters/Thomas Hodel)

For those who thought the ways in which social media users express laughter was meaningless, will think again according to a new study published by social network giant Facebook.

The social network company has analyzed data gathered from users in its platform since May to reveal that the most common expression or means of expressing laughter is "haha" or through an emoji.

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The study delves into the detailed nuances of what type of individuals use what sort of online laughter indicators.

According to the Daily Mail the social network giant was inspired by an article called "Hahaha vs Hehehe" which was published by a publication in New York and dealt with how the patterns of e-laughing had evolved and changed.

According to the study not many FB users, use the expression "LOL" as much to express laughter  choosing to use emoji's followed by a "hehe."

The study analysed posts made by users however, it did not take into consideration  direct messaging which involves a clear indication of how users e-laugh.

Instead the study has revealed that 15 percent of people who commented or responded to posts expressed laughter in some manner.

In terms of fractions 51 percent of users expressed laughter with a "haha" while emojis  came in at second place.The expression"hehe" according to the study was used by 13 percent of users and came in at third place as the most favoured expression.

The study also revealed that the choice of expression was also related to gender, location and even age. Accordingly the study suggested that men used more "haha" and "hehe" while women  used more emojis to express humour.

In addition, youngsters in their late 20s were more likely to use "lol" with those in the west coast of the United States using more "hehe" as a pose to those in Florida who used more emojis.