In reply to PDigitalFox.

The question remains whether this will not simplify our language to an unhealthy degree. I think if we continue to replace the written word with signs, at some point many of the younger generation may have problems with communication - writing and learning foreign languages in particular. Signs will make people lazy. Mind you, these symbols are not similar to the ones in Asian languages, which have had their system for generations together with specific rules on how to arrange signs. These are internet-era gimmicks with no rules to follow, you insert them wherever you wish regardless of grammar, often butchering the style and flow of text. That said, I can't help but use them myself ;)