The update, which quietly appeared in recent days, marks a return to the original gun emoji that was replaced by a water gun in 2016.
The decision to revert to the real gun emoji has sparked debate online. Some users argue that emojis should accurately represent their intended objects, while others are concerned that this change could trivialize gun violence, especially in light of ongoing discussions about firearm safety.
The original switch to a water gun was part of a broader effort by tech companies to reduce the depiction of violence in digital communication. Apple was among the first to make this change, and other platforms followed suit. The reintroduction of the real gun emoji by X now appears to reverse this trend.
Critics of the move are calling on X to reconsider, arguing that the presence of a gun emoji could have unintended consequences, particularly among younger users. Meanwhile, some users have welcomed the return, saying it offers a more straightforward representation.
X has not yet issued a statement explaining the reason behind the change. As the discussion continues, it highlights the ongoing challenge for tech companies in balancing user preferences with social responsibility.