The ^^

The ^^ emoticon had a life. Lived in anime forums and instant messengers, became the smiley for people who thought they were in on the same joke. I used it too, helped spread it.

Stop using it.

Once a symbol gets too clearly coded to one era and one aesthetic, it dies. Becomes a costume. A very visible costume. When you use it, you’re not communicating—you’re announcing. Everyone knows what you’re trying to say about yourself.

It doesn’t work anymore. The moment’s passed. Let it sit in the forums where it started, where it actually means something.