It's rare for me to use these. Maybe just a smiley :-) on a personal email but otherwise not. Perhaps that's the accountant in me coming out, emails taking on the same status as a professional letter.
When I was at university (a long time ago) they laboriously taught correct letter writing procedure. It must have stuck with me.
Of course I use them :D
It's half the fun of social media.... I haven't downloaded any as most platforms now turn the keyboard strokes into the emoticon for me.
Nope, doesn't interest me on the slightest! Reminds me of those stupid 'family stick' figures idiots' put onto the back window of their car! Hey, morons, ever heard of SECURITY for your FAMILY? If those people had a brain, it'd be VERY LONELY!