WYLL Meaning – What Parents & Teens Really Need to Know About 2026

Last Thursday, my 16 year old niece handed me the phone she was using with a smile. “Uncle, What does this signify?” The message was: “Hey WYLL?” “
I stared at the screen for about ten solid seconds. Was it a typographical error? What’s this new app that I haven’t heard of before? Could it be a shorthand way of saying “what you will learn” She smiled as she watched me struggling, clearly enjoying her confusion. She admitted defeat and explained: “It is a way of saying ‘what do you look like’. Everyone uses it.
The moment felt different than other slang encounters. This was not just vocabulary; it was a fundamentally new approach to meeting someone online. Instead of a gradual conversation leading to photos, WYLL goes straight for visual curiosity. It reflects the way Gen Z values efficiency, visual expression, and fast-paced digital communication.
You may have heard WYLL from your kids, seen it on a teen’s screen, or even received it yourself. This guide will explain what this four-letter acronym means, why it’s important, how it can be used across platforms, and the safety implications that go along with it.
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What Does WYLL Mean?
It stands for What You Look Like. This is a casual acronym used on Snapchat and TikTok.
The acronym has multiple meanings depending on the context.
Usually, “WYLL?” is typed. The person wants to see how you look. They often ask for a recent photo or selfie.
Conversation starter: In platforms like Snapchat, where visual communications dominate, WYLL serves as an icebreaker for strangers.
Flirting Mechanism: WYLL is often used to indicate flirtatious interest when combined with certain emojis. (Eyes, Fire, Smirk)
Reality check. In online gaming and social platforms, where avatars or Bitmojis may be fake or outdated, WYLL verifies someone’s appearance in comparison to their Bitmoji or avatar.
Fashion/style query: Sometimes, WYLL will ask about a person’s current appearance, makeup or general presentation, rather than permanent physical characteristics.
Here’s how WYLL is different from simply asking “can you see a photo?” The phrase “can I see a pic?” has become so commonplace in teenagers’ communications that it is now less significant than a direct request for a picture five years ago. Parents should be aware that the casual tone masks an intimate question.
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What is the origin of WYLL?

Gen Z has been using the phrase “what you look like” for years, but it was shortened to just four letters. This is because internet slang developed to meet fast and concise communication styles. WYLL was popularized by Yubo, also known as “Tinder” for teens. Users would ask strangers to describe themselves using the acronym.
The acronym WYLL was first used in Snapchat and TikTok’s DMs about 2020. It quickly spread to other apps, allowing users to connect with others. The acronym matches Gen Z’s style of communication, which is short, fast and expressive. Similar to WYA (Where You At), HMU (Hit MeUp), it turns long sentences into quick codes that are emoji worthy.
It was not until 2025 that WYLL became a common slang term, although it had been brewing for a while. TikTok became the main source of viral WYLL, as creators used them to create funny videos and encourage interaction. Influencers and meme sites played a big role when WYLL context appeared in reaction videos, comment threads and other video content.
The evolution of WYLL has fascinated me because it shows how online dating and the formation of friendships have changed. Ten years ago people exchanged messages for weeks before sharing photos. Visual verification is now done within the very first few messages if not instantly. WYLL did not create this change, it simply gave teens a language that was more effective for what they were already doing.
The timeline looked like this:
2018-2019: WYLL is now being used in private messages by early adopters using Yubo as well as lesser-known social applications.
Snapchat’s rapid growth during quarantine is spreading WYLL to high schoolers, as remote socializing becomes the norm.
TikTok creators in 2022-2023 will integrate WYLL into their content, creating trends and challenges based on the acronym.
2024 – WYLL reaches a peak in mainstream adoption. It is regularly seen on Instagram DMs (direct messages), Roblox chats, Discord server, and text messages.
WYLL is so prevalent in 2025 that it even causes parents to start searching for its meaning.
How WYLL performs on different platforms.
The WYLL acronym is always the same, but its use varies greatly depending on the context.
Snapchat: WYLL’s Native Habitat
Snapchat users love the playful tone of WYLL, which fits perfectly into quick snaps or messages. Snapchat is based on images and short messages. WYLL fits in perfectly with its casual, flirty style.
Snapchat WYLL scenarios you may encounter:
- When someone adds you to Quick Add, they send “WYLL?” You can use “WYLL?” before any conversation.
- The streak snap is from a friend you haven’t seen in a while. “It’s been awhile”
- Hey WYLL! The selfie is accompanied by the words “Hey, WYLL?”
- In group chats, you can use WYLL to confirm that someone is who they claim to have claimed to be.
- Story replies that ask “WYLL that fit?” What is your current outfit?
Snapchat’s culture of WYLL is characterized by the expectation of reciprocity. The other person will usually send their photo immediately after you have responded with yours. Snapchat’s nature encourages the use of WYLL because teens feel safer sending photos that will disappear than uploading permanent Instagram content.
I’ve observed that Snapchat WYLL requests often include emojis which signal tone. For example, the eyes emoji() indicates curiosity, the flame emoji() implies flirtation and the camera () requests a photograph rather than a text description.
TikTok – WYLL content and commentaries
WYLL can be found in the comments or captions of videos on TikTok. It is used by users to ask about their appearance or selfies. WYLL also appears in TikTok challenges and trends, adding a flirty and fun vibe to the comments.
TikTok WYLL has a more dynamic platform than other platforms.
Comment section: Users with “WYLL?” comments receive dozens from curious followers who want to see their actual appearance beyond the content. Comments from curious viewers who are interested in seeing the actual face behind the content.
TikTok Trends: One person asks the question “WYLL?” Others will reveal themselves, and they’ll often do so in a duet.
Caption integration. Videos that show transformations, glows or makeovers can be captioned with “WYLL before and after”.
TikTok or Twitter users use WYLL as punchlines or ironic quips, such as “WYLL vs. after work vs. after 8 hours sleep” to emphasize how appearances change depending on mood, lighting or angle.
TikTok is less private than Snapchat. It’s more public. When someone asks “WYLL?” If you post “WYLL?” to your TikTok video, hundreds of users can see it.
Instagram: Slide to the DM for WYLL
Instagram’s “What You Like to Know” is almost exclusively contained in direct messages and not public comments. Because the platform focuses on curating permanent content, public WYLL requests can feel more intrusive.
Instagram WYLL Patterns:
- WYLL? is the first thing new followers say. If you have a profile picture that is unclear or heavily filtered (or a group shot), send “WYLL?”
- Mutual interest in dating-related conversations leads to appearance curiosité
- When someone suspects catfishing or a fake account, they may request verification.
- Friends-of-friends situations: You’ve heard about someone, but you haven’t actually seen them
Instagram’s culture of WYLL is slightly older compared to Snapchat’s. College students and young adults use it more than high-schoolers. Instagram is a permanent platform, so people already know your look from your grid. This makes WYLL less common.
WYLL Text Messages – Beyond Social Media
When teens regularly use WYLL in their SMS/iMessage messages, it’s clear that the acronym is a mainstay of teenage communication. Slang’s adoption reaches its peak when it moves from social platforms to simple texting.
Text message WYLL usually appears when
- A mutual friend gave your number to someone you have never met.
- Friends reconnect and see how their lives have changed.
- The group chat participants realize that they do not know the actual appearance of everyone
- The conversation between two people using dating apps is now text-based and they want to see current photos, not just profile pictures.
There’s less pressure on text messages than Snapchat due to the lack of a built-in photo sharing feature. It’s more deliberate to send a picture in response to a text message WYLL than to snap a quick selfie.
When and Why people actually use WYLL
Understanding the WYLL motivations helps determine if a certain usage is merely a harmless curiosity or something that could be potentially dangerous.
Legitimate Curiosity Scenarios
Meeting online friends in person: Before meeting up, teens exchange recent pictures to help them recognize one another. WYLL is the perfect tool for this purpose.
Long-distance Connections: After months of talking only, Discord communities or fandom groups want to put faces with usernames.
Transformation updates: WYLL allows friends who haven’t seen eachother since significant changes such as a new haircut, weight loss/gain or style evolution to compare their current appearance instead of relying upon outdated mental pictures.
Profile Verification: WYLL assists in determining authenticity when someone’s online presence is inconsistent or suspicious.
Love and romance
WYLL is a visual validation tool that taps into human psychology, the need to be noticed and recognized. When someone asks you “WYLL”, it’s not just curiosity, but a mini ego check.
The Flirty Characteristics of WYLL
- Complements and complimentary emojis are often used to compliment your personality
- Pairing questions with those about your relationship status or dating background
- Sent after normal business hours
- Include reciprocal offer: “I will show you my if you show yours”
- Consider these romantic or suggestive topics for conversation
It is often a sign of flirty interest from a girl. She wants you to see how you look. It can be playful teasing where a girl sends WYLL, followed by a GIF/meme.
The flirtation context isn’t inherently problematic–teenagers have always expressed romantic interest, and WYLL is simply their current vocabulary for it. When WYLL is requested by strangers or when they persist after refusing, or put pressure on someone who appears uncomfortable, there are problems.
Red Flag Scenarios that Parents Should Be Aware
Not all WYLL is innocent. Among the patterns to watch out for are:
When a stranger’s first message begins with “WYLL?” Without any context or introduction, this is more likely to indicate a photo-collecting habit than a genuine interest.
After a refusal, persistent pressure: If you keep asking for something despite someone telling you no or reverting to the other person’s request suggests that they don’t respect boundaries.
Requests for specific photo types: WYLL escalates from “send me a full-body pic” to “send me a picture of you in xyz pose or clothing”. This crosses over into potentially predatory terrain.
The age of the sender: If an adult is using WYLL in a way that would be inappropriate for teenagers, or if teens are significantly older and targeting younger users, this raises concerns immediately about grooming.
By imposing demands such as “I’ll only send WYLL to you if you first send” or by making the photo exchange a business, teens may be pushed into sending images they don’t want to.
How to Respond To WYLL (The Comprehensive Response Guide)
You can choose your response based on several factors, including the context and how comfortable you are. There is no “right” answer to WYLL. You can choose the response that best protects you while maintaining your relationships.
If You Feel Comfortable Sharing
You don’t need to worry if your friends, family, or loved ones ask you for your WYLL photos. Do not share personal images with strangers.
Option 1: Direct photo reply Simply send a recent selfie or photo. It is the easiest and most direct way to answer if you trust the person.
Take a photo of yourself today and yesterday.
Option 2: Descriptive Response If you are not yet ready to send pictures but want to reply, describe yourself in text.
Example: I’m 5’6″, have brown hair, and usually wear hoodies or jeans. WYLL?”
Option 3: Casually redirect profile photos Direct them to existing pictures rather than taking a new photo.
You can say: “Check out my Instagram, the recent photos are very accurate.” “Your turn?”
When You Don’t Share
If you’re uncomfortable, there’s no reason to respond. Teenagers need to learn that their response is entirely up to them and they can always say no to sharing pictures online with strangers.
Option 1: Polite Deflection Acknowledge without directly answering the question.
Example: I don’t send photos to people that I have just met. What’s the reason you are in my DMs?”
Option 2: Humor Deflection Use humor to avoid the request, while keeping the conversation light.
Example: “WYLL? How is your day?
Option 3 – Direct boundary Clearly state that you do not agree with the request.
“I do not share photos with people who I don’t really know.” After we have actually spoken for a little while.”
Option 4: Ignore WYLL. Sometimes it’s best to ignore strangers who ask for your opinion. Never feel like you have to explain your boundaries.
Context-Specific Reaction Strategies
You can respond as you normally would to a close friend. If it’s a true friend, they will respect any response, whether it’s a photo, description or even, “Dude you literally saw me yesterday.”
You’re interested in? Match their energy. A photo may help to strengthen the relationship if they appear genuinely curious and respectful. When something doesn’t feel right, follow your gut instinct.
If you are unsure of the person or have a new connection, exercise extreme caution. Consider asking the first question: “Do you know me?” Ask questions like “Do I know you?” or “Where have you got my username?” Genuine connections will understand any hesitation.
Public WYLL requests are a social pressure when they’re made in group chats. If you’d like to answer privately, you can do so. Or you can publicly declare that you would rather not share your answers.
Who is using WYLL, and how?

Age-related WYLL usage is broken down into three groups: Gen Z (13-24) heavily uses the app in Snapchat, TikTok or Roblox. Millennials (25-35) use it for dating apps, but older groups prefer to use direct questions.
Gen Z (born 1997-2012): Native WYLLs
For Gen Z, the acronym WYLL is just a language. The acronym was learned as a communication tool, not a trendy shortcut.
Gen Z WYLL Characteristics
- You can use this across all platforms.
- Emojis can help you understand the nuanced differences between tones
- Learn to recognize appropriate contexts and inappropriate ones by social learning
- As normal as saying “What’s Up?”
I’ve noticed older Gen Z (current students in college) feel nostalgic sometimes about WYLL being newer and less prevalent. They remember feeling like it was a secret or a way to be able to communicate with others. Younger teens, however, see it as common vocabulary.
Gen Alpha: The Next Wave
WYLL is an acronym for “What You Look Like” that asks a person to take a picture, selfie or check their appearance. WYLL has become popular since the rise of Snapchat’s streak culture. It became commonplace when strangers began to snap each other in Quick Adds and story replies.
Gen Alpha, now entering their teens, will adopt WYLL much more readily than Gen Z. It was already commonplace when they first started using social networks. They probably think that asking “what do you look like?” in full sentences is as old-fashioned and outdated as using “laugh out” instead of “LOL.”
Millennials (born 1981-1996): Selective Adopters
Most Millennials know WYLL, but don’t always use it. They are more likely to learn its meaning by being sent it by younger people than to actively use it.
The Millennial WYLL pattern:
- It is most common in dating apps where the matching of current slang demonstrates being “with it”.
- Rare in professional or semi formal digital communication
- When speaking to other Millennials they often spell out their words instead of abbreviating them
- Self-conscious of using it “correctly”, and possibly seeming to be trying too hard.
Gen X and boomers (born 1965-1980, 1946-1964), the Confused
If you read this article and feel like a confused parent then you’re most likely a Gen Xer or older Millennial. WYLL feels like a completely foreign language. Not just new words, but a different way of communicating with others.
The main concerns of older generations regarding WYLL usually center around:
- Privacy erosion: Teens sharing pictures that were once considered private with their parents is a cause for concern
- Superficiality: Concern that visual-first communication prioritises appearance over substance
- Safety: Fear WYLL normalizes the sharing of photos with strangers and increases vulnerability
- Communication quality: Concern about acronyms replacing deeper conversations and emotional connections
The concerns are not unfounded but also reflect the generational differences that exist in communication and privacy expectations. Gen Z is more comfortable with social media and digital literacy than Gen X.
The Dark Side – Safety concerns parents must understand
The risks associated with WYLL are predators who use it to approach kids. Catfishing is another risk where photos may be taken and misused. And situations where strangers force teens to send personal images. Parents should teach kids the meaning of WYLL, and use tools such as parental control applications to teach them safe responses.
Predatory Behavior & Grooming
Adults who use the internet to target minors have adopted teen-slang, in an attempt to appear younger and gain false trust. When using WYLL to communicate, predators are perceived as peers instead of threats. This lowers teenagers’ natural defense.
Watch out for predatory WYLL use:
- The profile claims to be teenage but uses language and references that are off.
- Intimacy or familiarity that is immediate without a relationship basis
- When you receive photos of yourself, your compliments may feel sexual or too intense.
- Demands for selfies escalate rapidly, from casual to more revealing photos
- The attempt to move the conversation to a less monitored space
Parents should be on the lookout for their children, since this slang encourages kids to share private photos. Children should use internet slang with caution and parents must be involved to teach them about digital boundaries.
Catfishing & Image Misuse
After you post a picture online, you no longer have control over it. Snapchat photos, which “disappear”, can still be recorded or saved using various technical methods.
Catfishing and WYLL:
- Photos shared by WYLL participants can be used to create fake profiles.
- Scammers gather photos of others to impersonate them on dating apps and social platforms
- Images are sometimes posted on inappropriate websites by mistake
- Reverse image searches can reveal photos from other accounts, which compromises anonymity
Teenagers should understand that sharing pictures with strangers comes with permanent risks, even if platforms promise to provide temporary content. Snapchat’s 3-second view doesn’t guarantee its existence.
Sextortion, Coercion and Coercion
Sometimes, WYLL discussions escalate from an innocent interest in appearance to pressures for ever more intimate photos. This gradual progression makes it hard for teens to identify manipulation before they have already been compromised.
The typical sextortion progress:
- A friendly WYLL Request that Seems Harmless
- Compliments and relationship-building after receiving initial photos
- You can request additional photos that have slightly more revealing angles, clothing or angles
- Direct requests for explicit photos, often disguised as “proof of your trust”
- Photos of previous demands will be shared if the demand is not met
Be cautious when strangers ask to see your pictures. They might later try and emotionally or psychologically coerce you to send you more personal photos. Parents should tell their kids it’s okay for them to refuse strangers who ask for pictures or block them.
How to talk with your children about WYLL
Conversations about online slang such as WYLL don’t need to be awkward or forced. They are an opportunity for you to better understand what your teenager is doing on the internet. Understanding these terms can help bridge the gap between you and your teen, as well as show them that you care about their language.
Conversations without Judgment
You shouldn’t say “I saw WYLL” in your message. Who asks what you look like? Why do you share photos with strangers?
You can say: “I heard you use the term WYLL but didn’t quite understand what it meant. Can you tell me what it means?
The first method triggers defensiveness which stops communication. The second approach is more curious than accusatory, and teens are more likely to be honest.
You can ask “I noticed that ‘WYLL” appears in your messages. Can you explain to me what it means? What do you think when someone asks WYLL of you online? “, “How do you feel when someone asks for your photo online?”
Questions that facilitate understanding
Instead of lecturing your teen, ask them questions that will help him or her articulate their own understandings and boundaries.
- When someone sends you a WYLL, what do you do?
- “Have You Ever Felt Pressured to Share Photos That You Were Not Comfortable Sending?”
- What would you say if someone asked for pictures after you refused?
- “How can you tell whether a person is being creepy or just a friend?”
- What advice would you give to a younger sister on how to respond WYLL?
These questions have multiple goals. They assess your teen’s level of digital literacy, identify vulnerabilities, and encourage him or her to consider the decisions they may otherwise make automatically.
Teach without controlling
If you ban photo sharing or WYLL from your teens’ lives, they will hide their activities. You should instead equip teens with tools that will help them make better decisions.
Teach using the “Three Questions Framework”:
Ask yourself these questions before responding to any WYLL requests.
- Does this person know me in real life or is it just a surface online interaction?
- Would I be comfortable if my parents/guardians saw this photo?
- What if someone shared my photo publicly with others?
The photo should not be sent if the answer to any question is “no”.
Establish “no questions asked” rescue protocols:
Tell your teenager: “If at any time you feel uncomfortable about someone you’ve met online, are under pressure to share photos or worry that you made an error, you may come to me for help without punishment.” I am concerned about your safety and not about your choices.
Your teen will be able to get help if the situation escalates, instead of hiding it until things become serious.
Safety Supported by Technology
Use tools such as Bark, Qustodio or Family Link to keep an eye on risky slang. These parental control apps alert parents when photos are requested in conversations. They can help identify disturbing patterns, while still respecting their children’s independence.
The best way to use parental monitoring tools is to do so in a transparent manner, rather than secretly.
It’s a good approach to say: “I installed monitoring software to alert me if any concerning language appears in the messages you send.” You don’t have to read every word you say. It’s more important to identify situations where you might be being manipulated or pressured.
Bad approach: A secret monitoring system that your teenager discovers by accident, leading to a loss of trust and forcing them to use workarounds in order hide their communication.
The WYLL acronym in Context
WYLL comes from the same family as “rizz”, “gyatt”,”bet”,and “no cap”. All of these slang terms capture social dynamics in fewer words.
Understanding WYLL’s family members helps to decode a broader conversation context.
“What are you doing?” “What are you doing?” This is used to initiate a discussion before transitioning into WYLL.
HMU (Hit me up): Invitation to message or contact. HMU is sometimes displayed after a WYLL-exchange as the next step connection.
FaceTime (“FT”): Request video call. It is more intimate than a WYLL photo because it is interactive in real time.
SNR (Streak and Recents): Snapchat’s request to each other and begin streak. People building new connections often use WYLL before WYLL.
ASL (“Age/Sex/Location”): Old-school internet slang making a comeback. The WYLL is more direct but has a similar purpose.
Catfish: Online pretending to be another person. Some WYLL requests aim to confirm someone isn’t catfishing.
Rizz – Charm or charisma, particularly in flirting. Someone with “good Rizz” knows how to ask WYLL using flattering language rather than being demanding.
No cap means “no lie” or “for the real.” Sometimes used as a way to highlight WYLL’s sincerity:
Bet: Acceptance or “ok.” The response to WYLL could be “bet”, before sending the photo. This would indicate willingness to share.
Why it resonates with the psychology of WYLL
WYLL uses visual validation psychology, the human need to see and be recognized. When someone says “WYLL,” they are not just curious. They’re also doing a mini-ego check, a vulnerability exchange. The mirroring of digital body-language is the latest emotional cue. Once, eye contact was all that was needed. Now selfies are the only way to express emotions.
In an anthropological context, WYLL is a digital adaptation of modern courtship rituals and friendship formation. In the past people have relied on their physical presence to judge compatibility, trustworthiness, and attraction. Online interaction eliminates visual cues that create uncertainty. WYLL fixes this.
The psychological comfort of WYLL is due to several factors
By exchanging photos, both parties feel less vulnerable. Reciprocity creates balance.
Control of presentation: Unlike in-person spontaneous encounters, WYLL allows users to select the photo that best represents themselves, allowing them to maintain control over initial impressions.
Gen Z developed adaption strategies that favour quick assessment rather than prolonged uncertainty.
WYLL offers social proof that your online persona matches reality.
It’s a low-risk rejection. If you don’t get along with someone after a WYLL, then the relationship doesn’t continue. It’s much easier than an in-person rejection.
Controversies, criticisms and controversies surrounding WYLL culture
Not everyone loves WYLL. Multiple critics from different perspectives have expressed valid concerns over what this linguistic tendency represents.
The Appearance Obsession Criticism
WYLL, according to some social commentators and psychologists, reinforces appearance-based judgments that are harmful. The fact that physical appearance is the gateway for online relationships could lead to a preference of looks over personality and values.
In 2025 text shortcuts will be constantly evolving, and the question WYLL is no longer a simple one. It now often carries deeper social implications regarding appearance-based judgments within digital spaces.
The counter argument: Humans have judged appearances for centuries, and physical attraction was always a factor in the formation of relationships. WYLL merely makes explicit what had previously been implicit. It is better to be honest than waste time.
Privacy erosion is a concern
WYLL’s normalization of sharing photos is worrying to privacy advocates. They worry about the long-term implications. What teenagers may consider to be a casual, temporary activity can have a lasting impact that they are unaware of.
The concern isn’t hypothetical–countless teens have experienced embarrassment, harassment, or worse after photos shared privately were distributed publicly. It’s possible that the WYLL-culture deafensites young people about photo-sharing risks.
The counterargument to prohibition is education. Teach digital literacy instead of demonizing the WYLL to help teens make informed decisions on what, when and with whom to share.
Catfishing facilitation problem
WYLL, which aims to verify authenticity, can in fact be deceptive. Catfishers use photos of real people as responses to WYLL’s requests. They create false confidence that the interaction is legitimate.
WYLL has also made it so normal to ask for photos that predators don’t need to be suspicious when they do. The slang allows for behaviors that otherwise would be creepy to be covered.
Catfishing, predation and other forms of predatory behaviour existed even before WYLL. They will continue indefinitely. The acronym isn’t a problem; it’s the lack of adequate digital safety training.
What’s next for WYLL?
As AI and AR filters develop, WYLL may not mean “What You look Like”, but “What Does Your Digital Avatar Look Like?” By 2026 you can expect WYLL and virtual identity to merge, where your digital twin selfie or AI-generated photo becomes a part of online expression.
I see several possible evolution paths for WYLL in the next 2 to 3 years.
WYLL is becoming more mainstream. It will be used in marketing campaigns, dictionaries, and even professional settings as Gen Z takes on workforce management roles.
WYLL is a platform-specific acronym. It could be adapted to suit virtual reality platforms or AI chat interfaces.
Parental adoption: When more parents are educated about WYLL’s meaning, they might start using it within their own social circle. This usually signals that the slang is approaching obsolescence with its original users.
Once their parents learn WYLL they may replace it with new acronyms, restoring linguistic exclusivity.
Integration with AI. Future WYLL responses may include AI-generated photos, raising questions of authenticity as it becomes harder to differentiate real images from synthetic.
There is one certainty: Whatever replaces WYLL serves the same basic purpose – efficiently requesting information visually in communication environments that are increasingly visual.
