The player talks to other characters by selecting different responses, and specific choices change the course of the plot throughout the game.

[6] In addition to using the chat log, the player also visits parody websites such as YouToob and Facenook, all of which display their 2006/2007 layouts.

In each chapter, the player is given the option of changing avatars and editing their profile with references to whatever was popular at the time.

In each chapter, the protagonist talks to both characters individually with the chat client, alternating back and forth between conversing with each.

In chapter three, the rocky relationships Emily and Evelyn are in have reached a breaking point, and both of them ask the protagonist for help after their partners did something particularly upsetting.

They state they got out of the relationship they were previously stuck in, and now are looking forward to moving on from high school and starting a new one in college.

[9] In contrast to the use of the AOL Instant Messenger styled chat client in the previous installments, Emily is Away <3 primarily takes on the online social media website Facenook, a parody of Facebook.

A development update revealed more of the game's features, including the ability to write statuses, post on friend's walls, and get into poke wars.