A system and method for detecting and measuring emotional indicia in an interactive, real-time communication application. Emotional indicia are preferably emoticons, however, other indicia including words and text can be employed. The real-time interactive communications application is preferably an instant messaging application or a chat room environment. User-conveyed ratings or emotional sentiments are automatically detected and measured to provide an overall rating. Alternatively, an on-going rating can be displayed for a topic currently being discussed or reviewed.